The South Pond in Midhurst, West Sussex, is a picturesque spot that attracts locals and visitors alike. However, the pond and The Jubilee Path are also home to Hemlock Water Dropwort, a highly toxic plant that poses a serious threat to public safety and wildlife in the area.
Hemlock Water Dropwort is a dangerous plant that contains a deadly toxin called oenanthotoxin. All parts of the plant are toxic, and ingestion of even a small amount can cause serious, life-threatening problems. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
Given the proximity of the South Pond to local homes and public footpaths, the danger of Hemlock Water Dropwort to the public is very real. People often walk their dogs or take their children to play near the pond, making exposure to the plant likely.
Which is why during our working day (on 15th April 2023), the South Pond group volunteers made it their aim to cut down the hemlock plants that were bordering Jubilee Path to reduce the likelihood of the public coming into contact with it.
It will be an ongoing task for the South Pond group, and if you have any concerns or would like to help us with this, then please do contact us.
How You Can Ensure Safety For Your Children and Dogs
Whilst we’ve done our best to clear back the hemlock growing on Jubilee Path, there may still be plants growing in the area. Here are a few ways that you can protect your children and dogs from the potential dangers of this plant:
- Educate yourself: Learn about the appearance and characteristics of Hemlock Water Dropwort to identify it and avoid it. You can find information about the plant here.
- Keep dogs on a leash: Dogs are naturally curious and can be attracted to new scents, which can lead them to explore the plants around the pond. Therefore, it is best to keep your dog on a leash and away from any unfamiliar plants.
- Teach your children about plant safety: It is important to educate children about the potential dangers of plants. Teach them not to touch or ingest any plants unless they know it is safe to do so.
- Avoid picking plants: Do not allow children to pick plants or flowers around the pond.
- Stay on marked paths: When walking around the South Pond and the Jubilee Path, it is best to stay on marked paths and avoid venturing off into unmarked areas where Hemlock Water Dropwort may be growing.
South Pond Group will continue to clear the plant close to where the public walks on Jubilee Path to ensure that the South Pond remains a beautiful and safe place for everyone to enjoy. If you’d like to find out more about our working days and the work we do, you can visit our What’s On page here.