Ragwort and how it's managed on the Commons


Of all the plants that grow on the Commons, one of the most controversial is Ragwort, and there are many different views on how it should be managed - pull it up or leave it to grow.


Why is it an issue?

Ragwort produces alkaloid toxins which, if ingested by horses, can lead to neurological and liver damage and, in a worst case scenario, the animal can die.  This is obviously something of great concern to the many horse-riders on the Commons.  However, in its fresh growing state, it is unpalatable to horses and they generally avoid eating it.  The real danger is when the Ragwort is cut and dried, particularly if it’s in hay, as it then loses the bitter taste but the toxins remain.  


What is it good for?

There are wildlife benefits to Ragwort that should not be overlooked. 

It is one of the most important plants for wildlife in the British Isles: it is colonised by 14 species of fungi, its leaves and stems provides a food source for at least 77 different species of invertebrate - including five "Red Data Book" and eight "nationally scarce" species, and at least 30 invertebrate species depend wholly on Common Ragwort for their survival.   Most commonly, you will see the distinctive yellow and black Cinnabar Moth caterpillar feeding on it.


How do we manage it?

As a landowner, the Conservators have a responsibility to determine whether there is a risk to livestock (ie horses). 

As we are not a grazing area, nor used for forage production, our policy is one of control, not eradication. 

We aim to take a balanced and proportionate approach by pulling up and sensibly disposing of Ragwort in areas close to where horses are reasonably expected to pass.  In other areas, it is left to grow and provide its invaluable service to our invertebrates.