Run Ragged by Ragwort

Five intrepid Goodgymers made their way to Ockwells Park to help Wild Maidenhead in their battle against Ragwort. Although it is the food source plant for the cinnabar moth, it is also poisonous to livestock. The ragwort on Ockwells is now turning to seed and in danger of blowing over the horse field neighbouring the park. The ragwort was not the only yellow flower in the field, but we soon got our eye in, telling it apart from the fleabane and other flowers, as the leaves were quite different. We cleared one area and then found another huge area to be tackled. We were collecting arm-fulls of plants, piling it up to be collected and disposed of. It was satisfying when we could pull it up by the roots, although they weren't all that cooperative. Juli also found a beautiful Orbweaver spider, which we left to carry on with her business. A satisfying task, and it was lovely to be outside in the sunshine and chatting with friends.