Draft Guidance on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort

As a native species, Common Ragwort is part of our natural heritage and the UK Government has signed international agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, to ensure its conservation. It is found in a range of dry, sandy or limy or neutral grassy places and dunes but flourishes in overgrazed and disturbed areas. The guidance outlines the wildlife interests associated with the Common Ragwort and because of these wildlife interests, we are keen to ensure that any guidance issued by the Scottish Government is proportionate and has due regard to our native biodiversity, as enshrined in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.