After calls from farmers in Cheshire, who said they are facing encroaching ragwort in land adjacent to their farms, particularly railways and motorways, farming leaders have reminded farmers and landowners of their responsibilities in controlling the toxic weed ragwort.

Ragwort is a yellow plant, which commonly grows on farmland, waste ground and at the edges of footpaths and pavements. It is particularly visible at this time of year although there are a number of similar plants with which it is sometimes confused. Left unchecked, the problems can worsen as the plants set seed and the ragwort, which is poisonous to livestock and humans alike, spreads.

Defra’s Code of Practice on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort was introduced in 2003 to promote good practice and good neighbourliness and clearly states that “it does not attempt to eradicate ragwort, but simply to control it where it is potentially injurious”. The department can request a landowner to control ragwort on their land if it threatens nearby farmland or conservation areas.

NFU countryside adviser Dr Andrea Graham said, “There are several specified weeds under the Weeds Act 1959 that are considered injurious including Spear Thistle, Creeping or Field Thistle, Curled Dock and Broad-Leaved Dock. However, Common Ragwort is the only one which poses a real risk to animal health because it can have potentially fatal consequences if ingested either in its green or dried state by horses and livestock.

“Livestock owners are responsible for the welfare of their animals and should be vigilant so that their stock isn’t exposed to the risk of ragwort poisoning. Grazing land should be regularly inspected for ragwort when animals are present and it should be pulled, removed and disposed of responsibly when discovered.

“However, it is important to stress that it’s a case of taking appropriate action in the right place and at the right time. Farmers should not try to eradicate it but simply control it where it poses a risk of spread to neighbouring land used for grazing or conserved forage production. Failure to comply with the Code of Practice is not an offence, but non-compliance may be used as evidence in any legal action and leave them open to enforcement action and possible prosecution under the Weeds Act.”

As ragwort can be poisonous to humans as well as animals, it is recommended that anyone attempting to pull or control the plants wears appropriate protective clothing. The Defra leaflet entry on ragwort is available here.