At some of our reserves, especially those neighbouring farmland, we need to control it by law to avoid harm to land and livestock. We have added some of our most frequently asked questions around this below.

What is ragwort?

Ragwort is one of the UK’s most common wildflowers and can be identified by its tall stem and yellow flowers that are gathered in dense, flat-topped clusters. Common ragwort is the most widespread, but there are 19 different species in total.

Does ragwort feed caterpillars/pollinators?

Yes, ragwort is a fantastic wildflower that supports a whole host of pollinators and other invertebrates and is an important feature within the floristic composition of our nature reserves.

Why is ragwort a problem?

Although it is a major source of food for pollinators, it is classed as an ‘injurious weed’ and in too high a density it is unsafe to expose grazing animals to it. Livestock keepers can be prosecuted if animals become unwell because of ragwort.

Why are you removing it?

Ragwort removal is carried out where necessary at some of our reserves in line with management prescriptions for the whole reserve. Some native plants, although valuable, can have the potential to become very dominant and ‘invasive’ within a given habitat, and as such, may at times require control to readdress a balance.

We will never look to eradicate native species from our land, but since ragwort seeds profusely, we need to control some of it across our designated conservation grazing areas so that it doesn't become invasive within the habitat.

Conservation grazing is a vital land management tool, which helps to create and maintain niche habitats for rare and threatened species. If ragwort reaches significant levels within these areas, we are unable to let our livestock graze due to our commitment to high animal welfare standards and legal responsibilities as set out by the UK government.

Does ragwort harm livestock if they eat it?

Most of the time cattle and ponies will ignore ragwort in its green state whilst there is enough alternate food available, but this relies on the density of ragwort being low enough for livestock to graze around it – this is why we must manage it.

Cattle are indiscriminate grazers, and in areas where ragwort densities are high, cattle are at risk. Sheep however will actively graze on ragwort seeking out flower heads, and whilst some studies suggest that sheep are less susceptible to the toxic effects of ragwort, the UK Government’s Code of Practice regarding ragwort gives sheep the same level of protection as all livestock. This means the livestock owner still has the legal responsibility to protect livestock from pain, injury or disease.

What do you do with it when it is pulled?

Safe disposal is an important part of ragwort control, and we have in the past paid for large amounts of ragwort to be disposed of at licenced green waste facilities in line with national guidance. The disposal guidance from the Code of Practice document outlines the following:

1. Safe disposal is an important part of ragwort control. Options for disposal will depend on the amount of ragwort to be disposed of and the local resources available for disposal.

2. Cut and pulled flowering ragwort plants may still set seed and all parts of the ragwort plant remain toxic when treated or wilted. Cut and pulled plants will therefore continue to pose a risk to horses and other grazing stock and should be removed from areas where they could be ingested by vulnerable animals.

3. Options for disposal of ragwort plants include, sealing in plastic bags for incineration or landfill, or by disposing in an environmentally acceptable way, whereby it will not be a risk to grazing animals and the seed will not be spread. When plants are incinerated this must be undertaken in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Protection of Air (Appendix 8) and Local Byelaws.

Landfill sites must be an approved Local Authority facility. The Environmental Services Department of your Local Authority will be able to identify the nearest waste reception centre. When transporting pulled ragwort, care should be taken to ensure that it is either in a sealed container or well-covered to prevent the spread of seed.

4. Composting in the open is not recommended. If the composting process does not kill the seeds, there will be a risk of spread of ragwort. Composting should therefore not be used for disposal of ragwort unless the temperatures reached are sufficient to destroy viable seed.

Caterpillars that are feeding on pulled ragwort will continue to feed on the plant until they pupate and fall off. In most instances ragwort is stored onsite until disposal which allows the life cycle to complete.

If you have any further questions about our control of ragwort, please email comms@lancswt.org.uk and we will respond and may add your question to this blog.