The management of ragwort divides opinion. Whilst there are 3 types of Ragwort that are almost indistinguishable from each other, only Common Ragwort is poisonous to livestock if consumed in large quantities. Horse owners therefore need to eradicate Common ragwort from grazing land which is a herculean task if one or 2 plants are left to spread.
However, in Richmond Park ragwort offers a valuable nectar source where few other large flowers survive the browsing of the deer.
The Royal Parks tries to strike a balance by only removing some plants from key locations such as bridleways.
Ragwort is valued in the park but excessive large, dense stands are removed after they have flowered but before they have set seed.
