Excellent post, Ruth. I've never really understood why ragwort is so actively removed from so many places where animals aren't grazed! I can on the other hand understand farmers removing it from fields, even if in fact they're being over cautious.
I've noticed more ragwort around this year, I hadn't realised that this was probably due to the recent droughts, as you point out. Three don't seem to be as many cinnabar moth caterpillars around this year though, not yet anyway.
Yes, there definitely does seem to be a lot of ragwort in some places which hopefully is a good thing for the insects who need it. I knew it was important for insects but I didn't appreciate exactly how valuable it is until I did the research for this piece.
Excellent post, Ruth. I've never really understood why ragwort is so actively removed from so many places where animals aren't grazed! I can on the other hand understand farmers removing it from fields, even if in fact they're being over cautious.
I've noticed more ragwort around this year, I hadn't realised that this was probably due to the recent droughts, as you point out. Three don't seem to be as many cinnabar moth caterpillars around this year though, not yet anyway.
Yes, there definitely does seem to be a lot of ragwort in some places which hopefully is a good thing for the insects who need it. I knew it was important for insects but I didn't appreciate exactly how valuable it is until I did the research for this piece.
Love the idea of dogs with wildflower seeds in their satchels!
It's a great idea isn't it? Will be interesting to see if it works.
Fab post Ruth. It's a great plant for urban gardens.
Thank you! Yes, it would be really good to see lots more of it in urban gardens.