28/08/2021
Are you on the lookout for ragwort in your fields❓
This yellow-flowered w**d, that flowers between June to October, is poisonous to horses at all stages of growth, causing liver damage, which may eventually result in severe disease and even death.
Ragwort has a bitter taste so horses don’t tend to eat it, however, horses will eat ragwort if nothing else is available and be aware that when wilted or dried it becomes more palatable but retains its toxicity.
The BHS recognises the role ragwort plays in biodiversity and we do not advocate blanket removal of the w**d. However, as it is toxic to grazing animals, we strongly recommend that it is removed from areas deemed high risk i.e. within 50 metres of livestock and horse grazing or land used for forage production.
Our ragwort toolkit offers guidance on how to identify ragwort, how to remove the plant safely and effectively, and how to resolve issues with neighbouring landowners, including public bodies. To access the toolkit specific to your nation visit:
https://www.bhs.org.uk/our-work/welfare/our-campaigns/ragwort-toolkit
