Thursday 20 August 2015

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - RAGWORT

At this time of year the bright yellow flowers of Ragwort stand out amongst the rough grassland of the golf courses. Although a poisonous plant and sometimes given a bad name it is a very important plant ecologically.
 At least 30 insect species are totally reliant on Ragwort with many more using it as a food source. It is also an important nectar source for a large number of other insects. These insects in turn provide food for birds and other mammals.
 Although there is a code of practice act for Ragwort control it does not place any legal responsibilities on the landowner to control the plant, we do however try and keep the population down so that it doesn't become out of control. The removal of the plant is carried out by pulling by hand but we will always leave enough to grow around the courses for the benefit of all the insect life.

Ragwort.
Hand pulling Ragwort to the right of the 6th Medal fairway.
         

Some of the insect life that rely on Ragwort can be seen below

Cinnabar caterpillar.
2 Ringlet Butterflies and a Meadow Brown on the right.
Six Spot Burnett.
Antler Moth.
Small Tortoiseshell.
One of a number of species of bumble bee that can often be seen on Ragwort.

Les Rae,
First Assistant,
Montrose Golf Links Limited.

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