But is it right to demonise ragwort? Conservationists argue that there is a need for ragwort to remain in our countryside because it is important for wildlife, especially in periods of extreme weather, not least because if its long flowering period – it can continue to bloom well into November, long after other flowers have gone to seed and disappeared. It supports more than 120 types of invertebrate, and it is a major nectar source for many insects. It is a natural component of natural grassland and many would argue that it need not be removed from land unless it is used for forage production.