RECENT STORMS and high tides have exposed a deadly danger along UK rivers and beaches.

Hemlock Water Dropwort is thought to be the deadliest plant in Britain. Last January several dogs in the Helensburgh area ate the plant. One of them died within twenty minutes.

The plant grows along river and loch banks and at the high water mark on beaches. The green tops of the plants look like celery or wild parsley. It is thought that dogs which are given carrots as snacks may be more at risk, as the roots of Hemlock Water Dropwort look like parsnips or carrots.

Heavy rain, river spates and exceptionally high tides have eroded soil exposing the toxic roots and washed plants out of the ground. The roots have been washed up on beaches and river banks in areas popular with dog walkers.

John Robins of the Animal Concern Advice Line has found dozens of the plants on the beach at Cardross on the Clyde estuary and it is very likely that other beaches, riverbanks and loch sides throughout the country will also be contaminated.

Mr Robins said: "Hemlock Water Dropwort is extremely poisonous and it is vital that dog and horse owners do not let their animals eat this plant. If you have a dog which picks up and chews things when out for a walk it would make sense to avoid waterside areas where this plant grows. If a dog does eat this plant the owner should get their pet to a vet immediately."