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Ragwort

Ragwort

What Ragwort is and how to get rid of it

Ragwort (Senecio Jacobae) is a common poisonous weed; it can be found anywhere, from fields and private gardens to the road side. It is most dangerous for horses and livestock, and once ingested by them there is no cure.

Ragwort can grow anywhere; the only way to prevent livestock becoming ill from Ragwort poisoning is to control its growth. Ragwort flowers twice a year and each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds. It will also re-grow if a part of the root is left behind in the soil, for this reason, control of Ragwort must be continuous.

The only way to get rid of Ragwort is to dig it up, making sure that you get as much of the root as possible. When digging it up you should make sure that you wear gloves. The best time to dig up Ragwort is before the plant has finished flowering and it will be easier to remove the whole plant if the ground is wet or if the plant is still immature.

The control of Ragwort is governed under the Weeds Act 1959 and The Ragwort Control Act 2003.

Ragwort Rosette

Ragwort Rosette

Common Ragwort
Common Ragwort

What to do if you spot Ragwort

The control of Ragwort is the ultimate responsibility of the land owner, and in the first instance you should contact the landowner to request action.

  • On private land contact the private land owner
  • On Motorways / major roads contact the Highways Agency – Tel 0845 750 4030
  • On other roads / council land – contact the Local Council.
  • On Railways contact Network Rail – Tel 0845 711 4141

How to make a complaint about Ragwort

If contacting the land owner does not improve the problem, please contact The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

DEFRA have a complaints form which should be filled in and posted back to the Bristol office:

DEFRA
Bristol – South West Rural Development Services
Block 3
Government Buildings
Burghill Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 6NJ

Telephone: 0117 959 8622

To download copies of the complaint form and guidance notes please click on the following links:

Or alternatively ring one of the following phone numbers and we will send you a copy.

Walsall Council Environmental Health – 01922 652240 or Street Pride – 01922 653344