BHS Scotland - Ragwort

RAGWORT

Ragwort poisoning creates untold suffering for hundreds of horses throughout Scotland each year. Recent research suggests that each year it causes around 50 equine deaths. Ragwort (Senecio Jacobaea) contains alkaloids that are toxic to horses, cattle, deer, sheep, pigs, goats, dogs and humans.

Ragwort is classified as an injurious weed under the Weeds Act 1959. This means it is an offence to allow ragwort to spread on any land. The Scottish Executive has powers to service notice where ragwort is allowed to spread. Unfortunately ragwort is still all too common in Scotland.

BHS Scotland is delighted to announce the launch of a new guidance leaflet: Ragwort: Friend or Foe? Click here to download the leaflet.

Picture of ragwort

Control Ragwort Now: May and June are effective months to take action. For spraying advice ring either CSC Amenity on 01738 646713 or Growing Concern Scotland on 01764 684900. You could also dig it out making sure the entire plant, including the roots, is removed. Ragforks are superb for this. Remember to wear gloves, and don't leave cut ragwort or flowers lying around.

How to report your concerns: SEERAD takes ragwort complaints by e-mail and will remind the land owner to control ragwort. Please include as much information as possible, eg address, postcode and if possible ordnance survey co-ordinates.

For more information on how to report ragwort please click here.

Please click here for your local SEERAD office contact details. Please copy your e-mail to Helene Mauchlen so we can monitor how many complaints SEERAD receives.

Click here to read Heather's Story, a sad tale about what can happen when horses do eat ragwort.

Click here to read our ragwort factsheet.

For a leaflet explaining how to manage horse pasture and control ragwort please send an SAE to BHS Scotland, Woodburn, Crieff PH7 3RG.

(c) British Horse Society Scotland 2007. The British Horse Society Scotland is a branch of the British Horse Society, Patron: Her Majesty the Queen, Registered Charity No 210504, Registered Office: Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ.