The politics of the latest yellow peril

At this time of the year it can often be seen dotted across a field. It's sometimes found on the side of a road. Even climbing a railway embankment. A tall bright yellow plant providing a splash of colour against a green backdrop of grass, trees and shrubs. ?

The plant in question is the Common Ragwort. It's a weed. It's also native to Britain. In the right place it makes an important contribution to the countryside. Providing a vital habitat for creatures like the Cinnabar Moth, whose caterpillars eat it. But if Ragwort is eaten by horses or other livestock it can kill them. Not immediately but over time as more and more of it is eaten.

So a balance needs to be struck between looking after the countryside and protecting horses and other animals.

Like many weeds, Common Ragwort is difficult to control. It can spread quickly. It remains toxic when sprayed, cut, dug or pulled up. It is more palatable in its dried state, so it can be dangerous to animals if left in a field after cutting or pulling and if it gets mixed in with their feed and bedding.

So it is important that where Common Ragwort needs to be controlled it is done effectively. Different options exist. A combination of land management, biological control and ragwort removal can be used. Another sensible option is keeping a dense pasture – this can help prevent ragwort from taking hold and spreading in the first place.

Effective disposal is also important. Ideally it should be done on site to stop the plant's seeds spreading elsewhere as it's moved around. Disposal could include incineration or controlled burning and landfill but composting is not recommended because the temperatures reached may not be sufficient to destroy viable seed.

Currently, on private land, landowners or occupiers have responsibility for control and should take action to prevent its spread if there is a risk to animals or agricultural activities. In public spaces like the edge of motorways or other trunk roads, the Highways Agency is the responsible authority. Local Highways Authorities are responsible for all other roads. Network Rail is responsible for railway land.

There's no reason why you can't get involved though. If you see it growing near grazing animals, contact the owner of the land. If they're agreeable, help them remove the offending plants. Before you start,agree the best method of disposal. When you begin removing the plants, always use gloves and clothing that covers bare skin. Wear a suitable facemask. And if necessary wash exposed skin after handling and before eating.

But remember, while Common Ragwort is a problem on grazing land, it is in fact a very useful plant for much of our wildlife. It provides a huge nectar source for many insects. Stop and look at a Common Ragwort plant in full bloom and it is likely to be covered in butterflies, hover flies and bees. It is for this reason that clearance of Common Ragwort is only required from grazed sites or areas that are adjacent to grazed land. There's a code of practice, a guide to disposal options and an identification leaflet available on the Defra website if you want more details – http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/wildlife/

management/weeds/pdf/ragwort-dispose.pdf (or http://tinyurl.com/

2whzgnu).

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CW 7/8/10