IT is distressing to see in these pages the call for the eradication of a plant species. Common ragwort holds its rightful place within nature's balanced framework along with all our native wild plants.

Ragwort supports the life cycle of a multitude of creatures, most notably the cinnabar moth which like many others is wholly dependent on the plant.

The caterpillars harness the plant toxins and use them as a natural defence against predation. It is truly a wonderful creature to behold and doesn't deserve to have its home destroyed.

In recent years, ragwort hysteria has led to a decline in numbers of cinnabars and it is thanks to certain dedicated National Trust staff that they have made a comeback this year at Rievaulx Terrace. I have been told how staff have to constantly stop visitors pulling up the ragwort on the terrace.

How do they not realise that it is a managed attraction with no livestock whatsoever and that if ragwort is growing there then it must be intentional?

All animals, including horses, know not to eat ragwort, it is through the hand of man and his destructive agricultural practices that animals are poisoned.

We have already upset Mother Nature's wonderful balance in our pursuit of profitable food and leisure and it is utterly indefensible to further the damage we do by proclaiming the eradication of a particular species just because a minority of people keep horses, or to support our intensive and flawed agri-business.

Jason Rayner,

Wenlock Terrace,

Fulford Road, York.

Updated: 10:24 Wednesday, August 24, 2005