Ragwort is deadly to some livestock

Ragwort causes irreversible liver damage to cows and horses and is very difficult to remove once established from an area.

Each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds that can stay dormant in the soil for up to 20 years.

A spokesman for the Environment Department said the problem is being taken seriously.

'Thankless task'

The States says there is an ongoing programme to remove all harmful plants on States-owned land.

Martin Gavet from the Environment Department said: "It is a constant battle, we think we may have cracked it one year then next year there's a whole load more.

"It's a bit of a thankless task. I think people see it growing and thinks the States isn't doing much about it.