FAQs - Ragwort - Warwickshire Web

Ragwort

What is ragwort?

A native wildflower.
A specified injurious weed under the Weeds Act 1959 which was amended in 2003 by the Ragwort Control Act.
Where is ragwort found?

Pastures, railway embankments, roadside verges and wasteland.
In poorly maintained sites.
Where soil has been disturbed.

Operation Ragwort

Why is ragwort dangerous?

Can cause poisoning in livestock.
There is no cure and the poisoning is distressful for animals.
The toxins can be dangerous to humans too.
How can ragwort be removed?

Pulling and digging by hand but fragements of root may remain and will re-establish.
Spraying with a herbicide but take care to protect sensitive habitats.

Ragwort Hotline: 01926 412515
Email: ragwort@warwickshire.gov.uk
Look out for ragwort and let us know where it is.

Remember, you have a legal obligation to stop the weed spreading. In addition, there is a new Statutory Code of Practice (PDF - 110 KB) that provides structured advice to landowners and will help them in their responsibilities to prevent the spread of ragwort.

More Information

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 08459 33 55 77 or email helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
British Horse Society 08701 299 992 or email welfare@bhs.org.uk
Warwickshire Ragwort Leaflet (402 KB)
Identification of Injurious Weeds (PDF - 968 KB)
Guidance Notes on the methods that can be used to control the spread of harmful weeds (PDF - 73 KB)
To read the above files you will need free Adobe Reader.

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Ragwort

What is ragwort? A native wildflower. A specified injurious weed under the Weeds Act 1959 which was amended in 2003 by the Ragwort Control Act. Where is ragwort found? Pastures, railway embankments, roadside verges and wasteland. In poorly maintained sites. Where soil has been disturbed.
Why is ragwort dangerous? Can cause poisoning in livestock. There is no cure and the poisoning is distressful for animals. The toxins can be dangerous to humans too.	How can ragwort be removed? Pulling and digging by hand but fragements of root may remain and will re-establish. Spraying with a herbicide but take care to protect sensitive habitats.
Ragwort Hotline: 01926 412515 Email: ragwort@warwickshire.gov.uk Look out for ragwort and let us know where it is. Remember, you have a legal obligation to stop the weed spreading. In addition, there is a new Statutory Code of Practice (PDF - 110 KB) that provides structured advice to landowners and will help them in their responsibilities to prevent the spread of ragwort. More Information Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 08459 33 55 77 or email helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk British Horse Society 08701 299 992 or email welfare@bhs.org.uk Warwickshire Ragwort Leaflet (402 KB) Identification of Injurious Weeds (PDF - 968 KB) Guidance Notes on the methods that can be used to control the spread of harmful weeds (PDF - 73 KB) To read the above files you will need free Adobe Reader.