Managing common ragwort issues – what you need to know

Injurious weeds

There are several species of ragwort in the UK; common ragwort is the most widespread and recognised. Although the plant does provide flowers for pollinating insects and food for caterpillars, common ragwort poses a real risk to animal health, with potentially fatal consequences if it is ingested by livestock. It is therefore listed in the Weeds Act 1959.

Five weeds are classified as ‘injurious’ under the Weeds Act 1959 – common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), creeping or field thistle (Cirsium arvense), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and curled dock (Rumex Crispus). It is not an offence to have common ragwort growing on land, however, if it presents a risk to livestock grazing and forage land it must be controlled. 

Common ragwort management 

Left unmanaged, a common ragwort problem is likely to become worse, as the species is highly vigorous. A single specimen can produce up to 150,000 seeds with a germination rate of up to 70%.

Managing and regularly checking grazing and forage land as well as bordering areas for common ragwort is important. If found it should be pulled, removed, and disposed of responsibly to remove the risk to livestock.

Common ragwort is a toxic plant, and suitable protective precautions must be taken when handling it. Cut and pulled common ragwort plants may still set seed and are toxic if ingested by livestock.

Where unmanaged common ragwort is present on areas bordering livestock grazing and forage land, farmers are advised to identify and resolve this directly with the landowner or manager. 

In some cases, this may be on National Highways land. If common ragwort on National Highways land could spread to farmland and put livestock at risk, it can be reported by the landowner or manager to National Highways at: National Highways | Report a maintenance issue on our network.

Natural England guidance and complaints

If working with another landowner or manager to resolve a common ragwort issue doesn’t work, injurious weeds complaints can be made to Natural England between 1 April and 30 September. This is when the plant and any issues are easily identifiable. Natural England investigates the complaint and, if required, enforcement notices can be issued requiring landowners to take action to prevent the spread.  

Natural England is reviewing its approach to improve how it addresses injurious weeds issues ahead of Spring 2026. 

The NFU is engaging with Natural England on this review. 

It is vital that Natural England has a clear process to provide guidance and support to land managers including to enforce ragwort management where needed. 

We will keep members informed of this review and any changes to Natural England’s approach via this webpage.

NFU action

Nationally and locally the NFU works with relevant stakeholders, such as local councils and National Highways, to raise members' concerns and advocate for the management of common ragwort which could present a risk to livestock.