Hucknall: Warning to dog owners over toxic weed in Merlin Park

A charity that maintains the park through a residents' surcharge has urged pet owners to keep their dogs on a lead while they remove the weed

A charity has issued a warning to dog owners following reports a number of pets fell ill after they ingested a weed growing at a Nottinghamshire park.

The Land Trust, which operates Merlin Park in Hucknall, said it has employed contractors to remove ragwort, which is toxic to dogs and livestock.

It urged dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads while it is cleared.

Residents on the adjacent new-build estate pay a yearly surcharge of about £300 to maintain the park.

A number of dogs have reportedly fallen ill from ingesting ragwort weed (stock picture)

The charity's residential services team said it took the safety concerns of people on the estate "extremely seriously".

The charity said the problem had been exacerbated by "one of wettest Octobers for some time" and confirmed it was in contact with Sherwood MP Mark Spencer over the issue.

Ragwort has a daisy-like, yellow flower head, which tends to grow in paddocks and pastures.

Ragwort, which is toxic to dogs, has been found at Merlin Park in Hucknall

A spokesperson for the charity, said: "While we are aware there are concerns about ragwort on Merlin Park, particularly in regard to the safety and wellbeing of residents' pets, we would like to reassure residents that we are continuing to work with our contractor to remove the final amount of remaining meadow and grass arising from the site as soon as possible.

"Alongside this, we have been working with MP Mark Spencer, to deal with residents' concerns about the park and reassure them that we are working with the contractor to make sure that the site specifications are met to the standards set in the management plan.

"Where concerns have arisen, we have endeavoured to address all of them as soon as possible, instructing contractors to undertake any work necessary."