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

The Scottish Executive has powers to serve notice where ragwort is allowed to spread. Unfortunately ragwort is still all too common in Scotland.

How to control ragwort
May and June are effective months to take action. For spraying advice contact 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.

You can find more detailed information in the following leaflets:

        Scottish Government guide on "How to prevent the spread of ragwort": download

        BHS Scotland, Plantlife Scotland and Butterfly Conservation Scotland leaflet "Ragwort: friend or foe": download

How to report your concerns
If ragwort in your area is causing concern, please report it to SGRPID and they will remind the land owner to control ragwort. Please include as much information as possible, including address of affected land, postcode and, if possible, ordnance survey co-ordinates.

A good way to work out co-ordinates is to use www.streetmap.co.uk. Once you have identified your location on the map, click once to get the arrow to point to the area of ground where ragwort is growing. Then scroll down the page to where it says "This product includes mapping data copyright" and click on "click HERE" to measure co-ordinates. Then all you need to do is write down the OS reference and the postcode of the infestation.

Then send your concerns to your local SGRPID office. Please copy your complaint to us so we can monitor the level of complaints. 

If you have a problem with ragwort, we have a guidance leaflet to help you deal with your concerns: download