Sir, I read with interest your article on ragwort ( Pretty but deadly ?ragwort threat rising warns Bellamy, August, 23).
It is unfortunately highly inaccurate and will cause much unnecessary worry. It is sad to note that David Bellamy has fallen for the pseudo-science that surrounds this plant.
A simple look at the scientific literature shows that there is little to worry about from this common native wildflower.
It is always sad to hear of the death of such well loved horses, but the simple fact is that ragwort poisoning is almost impossible to prove. Other plants contain the same problem chemicals and other chemicals produce the same symptoms. One case in the literature was found to be caused by pollution from an incinerator where ragwort had previously been blamed.
Before the Second World War, there was far more ragwort around than there is today. There were also many more horses in the country, working on farms or drawing vehicles. Ragwort poisoning was a recognised disease, but not a serious problem. Unfortunately in recent years there has been a campaign to generate hysteria and people are now unnecessarily worried. In reality a large amount of the plant has to be consumed before any harm is done and scientific papers from France and the Netherlands support the contention that ragwort poisoning is not a common problem.
Bellamy contends that ragwort growing on roadsides is a threat. He is obviously unaware of the published research on the dispersal of the seeds which shows that the overwhelming majority fall with in a few metres of the parent plant.
I must also take issue with the idea that ragwort is dangerous to handle. The research shows that a very large amount of ragwort would need to be eaten to harm a human being, and that the mild toxins present are not absorbed well through the skin. There is therefore little danger from touching it.
[Webmasters note We now know since this letter was written that It has to be eaten to be toxic any way. See Ragwort and humans Why there is no risk. ]
It is also incorrect to state that the Ragwort Control Act 2003 requires occupiers of land to prevent the spread of ragwort. It does no such thing. It merely institutes a government guide to management of the plant.
Ragwort is an important natural part of our ecosystem. At least 30 insect species are entirely reliant on it, and about a third of these are scarce or rare. It is also a critically important nectar source for hundreds of species of butterflies, bees, moths, and other invertebrates.
The loss of precious, noble horses is deeply saddening, however it is important that proper scientific evidence is used in evaluating the threat.
Otherwise much money will be wasted, much environmental damage will be done and much animal suffering from other causes will go unnoticed.
For more details on the science and the hysteria surrounding this plant visit http://www.ragwortfacts.com
Neil Jones
Biodiversity Campaigner,
Swansea Friends of the Earth,
The Environment Centre,
Swansea.