A WARNING has been issued to the public to keep children and dogs away from poisonous plants growing in Fordingbridge.

New Forest District Council has installed warning signs at Sweatford Water Meadows after reports of hemlock and water hemlock.

The plants are highly poisonous and a small consumption can cause respiratory paralysis or death.

They are also often confused with wild carrots or parsnips, being found in wet, marshy places.  

Despite best efforts to remove the dangerous plant, the council said it is “very hard to eradicate”.

New Forest District Council said in the signs: “Hemlock and Water Hemlock have both been reported growing on this site.

“Both plants can easily be mistaken for non-poisonous plants such as wild carrot, parsnip or cow parsley. It is recommended that members of the public avoid areas where any of these species appear to be growing. Please keep dogs and children under control and away from these areas.

“Although New Forest District Council work to remove poisonous species from our Public Open Spaces please be aware that these are native wildflowers that recur naturally and are very difficult to eradicate.

“Hemlock plants are especially valuable to species such as the Marsh Fritillary butterfly (a listed species) and are an important food source.

“Should you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or seizures within an hour of ingesting any plants on site please call 999 immediately.”