Park near Glasgow issues warning after due to plant
The wildflower has been seen growing along Palacerigg Road, near the entrance to the park, which is a popular spot for families, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts.
READ MORE: Rat infested Palacerigg park reopens as visitors told: 'Watch your waste'
Ragwort (Image: Newsquest) The Trust issued the warning in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the plant.
While ragwort is more toxic to animals, it can also be harmful to humans if consumed in large quantities. Handling the plant, particularly pulling it up by hand, can cause skin irritation.
Dog owners are being urged to take caution in the area, as ingestion of ragwort can cause liver damage in dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include a loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), weight loss, and general weakness.
READ MORE: Firefighters tackle 300 metre long blaze at Palacerigg Country Park
Ragwort is even more dangerous for horses. When eaten, the plant causes cumulative liver damage, meaning that small amounts consumed over time can be just as harmful as a large quantity eaten all at once.
The effects are often irreversible and can prove fatal.
Following the initial warning, Palacerigg Community Trust issued a further statement reminding visitors of responsible behaviour when enjoying the countryside.
They advised people not to pick wildflowers, to remain on designated footpaths, to avoid disturbing animals, to take litter home, and to refrain from lighting fires or barbecues in the park.
The Trust stated: 'The countryside belongs to all of us – but it thrives when we treat it with care. Follow the Countryside Code to keep yourself safe and help keep our wild spaces beautiful, safe, and alive for future generations.'
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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to parents after kids seen ‘eating toxic plant' at Scots country park
They issued more advice to visitors WEED WARNING Urgent warning to parents after kids seen 'eating toxic plant' at Scots country park Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN URGENT warning has been issued to parents after youngsters were reportedly seen eating a toxic plant. The alarming reports came in at the Palacerigg Country Park in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The warning was issued at Palacerigg Country Park Credit: The Sun 4 Kids were seen picking up ragwort Credit: Alamy 4 The plant is toxic and can be harmful Credit: Alamy A member of the public raised the alarm after seeing youngsters picking up Ragwort. They even reportedly saw one child eating it. The toxic yellow weed is found in the park and can be harmful if ingested. It can be mildly harmful to humans but can kill livestock such as horses if they swallow it. Some people can also have allergic reactions to it and end up with irritated skin. A post from the Palacerigg Community Trust initially warned parents about the situation. They then followed up with a second post issuing advice about the Countryside Code and how to stay safe in the park. It read: "We were attempting to educate as we had received a phone call from a concerned member of the public regarding young children picking and on one occasion eating Ragwort, which is toxic when ingested. "This was never meant as a Ragwort is a "bad plant" post. We have tried our best to rephrase this post in a positive light, so as still to educate people who are not as countryside savvy, but are out enjoying Palacerigg and who may require the guidance to avoid situations such as that reported." Part of the advice they issued urged people not to pick wildflowers. What does hogweed look like? They warned people could unknowingly pick up a poisonous plant. Their post continued: "It might seem harmless to pick a few blooms, but it can damage fragile ecosystems. "Many wildflowers are vital for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and some are even protected species. "Removing them can reduce biodiversity and affect the balance of nature. "Some plants have natural defences including thorns and being toxic when ingested, so can also be harmful to humans and animals." People visiting the park have also been urged not to wander of the footpaths to protect wildlife. They also were told to keep dogs on a lead which could stress or injure animals. Punters visiting the park were also told not to light any fires amid the horrific wildfires which have broken out across the country. We told in April how a horrific wildfire broke out at Palacerigg Country Park which was visible for miles.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Park near Glasgow issues warning after due to plant
Palacerigg Community Trust took to Facebook this morning, July 22, to alert the public after receiving reports of children picking — and in one case, eating — ragwort at Palacerigg Country Park in Cumbernauld. The wildflower has been seen growing along Palacerigg Road, near the entrance to the park, which is a popular spot for families, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts. READ MORE: Rat infested Palacerigg park reopens as visitors told: 'Watch your waste' Ragwort (Image: Newsquest) The Trust issued the warning in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the plant. While ragwort is more toxic to animals, it can also be harmful to humans if consumed in large quantities. Handling the plant, particularly pulling it up by hand, can cause skin irritation. Dog owners are being urged to take caution in the area, as ingestion of ragwort can cause liver damage in dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include a loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), weight loss, and general weakness. READ MORE: Firefighters tackle 300 metre long blaze at Palacerigg Country Park Ragwort is even more dangerous for horses. When eaten, the plant causes cumulative liver damage, meaning that small amounts consumed over time can be just as harmful as a large quantity eaten all at once. The effects are often irreversible and can prove fatal. Following the initial warning, Palacerigg Community Trust issued a further statement reminding visitors of responsible behaviour when enjoying the countryside. They advised people not to pick wildflowers, to remain on designated footpaths, to avoid disturbing animals, to take litter home, and to refrain from lighting fires or barbecues in the park. The Trust stated: 'The countryside belongs to all of us – but it thrives when we treat it with care. Follow the Countryside Code to keep yourself safe and help keep our wild spaces beautiful, safe, and alive for future generations.'
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