Crop spraying by farmers can be a problem for both householders and walkers.
Fortunately, most farmers in Felsham are socially responsible and make great efforts to minimise the problem of spraying near houses and footpaths.
It is worthwhile remembering that farmers have to follow a code of practice drawn up by the HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. The code includes the following:
* Ensure that all persons engaged in crop spraying are suitably trained
* Farmers have to carry out an assessment of the Risks to health of the chemicals used and reduce this risk as far as possible, this includes risks to members of the public and other who maybe affected by the spraying.
* Keep comprehensive records of spraying (incl. date,time,weather conditions and what was sprayed)
* Only spray in appropriate weather conditions to avoid/prevent drift onto neighbouring properties or fields
* Farmers have to consider taking extra precautions when spraying near homes, schools etc. eg only spray when home owners are at work or out for the day and in the case of schools or other public buildings spray after hours or during periods when premises are unoccupied.
The code also advises that best practice (although not mandatory) is to let people who may be affected by the spraying know when it is being carried out.
[The Act that governs the use of Pesticides is the Food and Environmental Protection Act 1985.]
See:Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products.
Monday 20 September 2010
Friday 6 February 2009
The problem of footpaths subject to ploughing
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The problem of footpaths subject to ploughing and the problem of access through crops. There are a number of rights of way in Felsham that are subject to ploughing. There are regulations governing this:
"Paths across fields may be cultivated if there is no reasonable alternative. The path must then be reinstated within 14 days of the first disturbance and within 24 hours of any subsequent works. The following widths must be left:
Footpaths across fields – 1 metre
Footpaths around fields – 1.5 metres
Bridleways across fields – 2 metres
Bridleways around fields – 3 metres"
In Felsham a number of footpaths are subject to being ploughed. This can be a problem in both autumn and springtime.
See the map below for details:
(click map to enlarge)
Sometimes, crops can hinder progress across a field. Oilseed rape is a particular problem as it grows tall, tends to fall across the footpath and is frequently prohibitive to sufferers from asthma and respiratory problems.
The problem of footpaths subject to ploughing and the problem of access through crops. There are a number of rights of way in Felsham that are subject to ploughing. There are regulations governing this:
"Paths across fields may be cultivated if there is no reasonable alternative. The path must then be reinstated within 14 days of the first disturbance and within 24 hours of any subsequent works. The following widths must be left:
Footpaths across fields – 1 metre
Footpaths around fields – 1.5 metres
Bridleways across fields – 2 metres
Bridleways around fields – 3 metres"
In Felsham a number of footpaths are subject to being ploughed. This can be a problem in both autumn and springtime.
See the map below for details:
(click map to enlarge)Sometimes, crops can hinder progress across a field. Oilseed rape is a particular problem as it grows tall, tends to fall across the footpath and is frequently prohibitive to sufferers from asthma and respiratory problems.
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