Peat free compost or farm yard manure to improve soil please?

I was thinking of collecting seaweed from along the coast where I have seen it laying along the shoreline, then someone told me its actually illegal to do that. Is this true?

 

Hmmm! Down here it’s fine to take it from the beach Sharon.Jayne If you are at all concerned, check where you live to see what regulations are there
However, I don’t think you will find it a problem.
It is more difficult to get the quantities these days....access to the beaches for example.
When you use seaweed it is better to use it thickly in small areas rather than spreading it thinly over larger areas of soil

 

Gathering seaweed has for a long time been a somewhat controvercial question.

Briefly.
The shorelines of Britain are owned by The Crown Estates. Meaning the crown owns the lot. Generally. Dead seaweed that is not attached to any rocks etc, can be gathered.

Regarding Live Seaweed. To do so, requires you to get permission from The Crown Estates, or in the case of a privately owned beach, the owner of said beach.

Hope this helps.

 

Just becarefull with the farmyard manure, if weed killers have been on the grass/hay it can be past through the animals and be in the manure

Weedkiller in manure / RHS Gardening

 

@Jiffy Ok I don't know if I should use it now. I read the article from your link and it says it affects Phlox and Delphiniums and these are my 2 main plants over the whole garden. On the bags at my GC it stated that the farmyard manure is sterilised. Would that make a difference and make it ok to use? If not what can I buy at a reasonable price to use as a mulch over winter?

 

Cindy, Just ask the farmer ....I do You won’t be slaughtered for it
If you apply farmyard manure in the autumn and the crown of the plants is kept clear I don’t think you need worry too much but, as I said, ask the farmer about possible weed killers

I had the results of tests and standards required for locally produced compost but I still trial it first around dispensable plants.

I’ve used lorry loads of mushroom compost here and all have been fine except for a batch in the early days that was a tad suspect.

 

I don't know as i'm not a chemist, I've use farm manure with no effects but I know where the poo comes from and I watch to see if any sprayers go onto the land etc, you should be able to ask if any weed killers have been use if you pick it up from farms or horse stables, if you ask they have to tell you (I think it's law to now, but you may get some that will say "I don't know")