Guidance Notes on Giant Hogweed

Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd - October 2015 Newsletter Guidance Notes on Giant Hogweed Leading the way in the management and treatment of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species. IVM are Japanese Knotweed specialists but also treat and control other invasive weeds throughout the UK. Following publicity and reported incidents of severe blistering to children by Giant Hogweed over the summer we offer the following guidance which we trust will assist you with control, eradication and awareness. Giant Hogweed The sap of Giant Hogweed contains a toxic chemical which sensitises the skin and leads to severe blistering when exposed to sunlight. This reaction can recur for many years. Legislation In the UK, legislation concerning Giant Hogweed is provided by a number of instruments i.e. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Section 9 Schedule 14: “It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause Giant Hogweed to grow in the wild in the UK” England and Wales. Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014 – “Local Councils and the police have the power to issue community protection notices against individuals who are acting unreasonably and who persistently act in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.” Breach of any requirement without reasonable excuse would be a criminal offense. There is provision within common law to take civil action against neighbouring land owners where the spread of Giant Hogweed is considered to be a private or public nuisance. Life Cycle Giant Hogweed relies solely on seeds for reproduction and spread. A single plant germinating from a single seed could start a significant invasion. The flowers of a single umbel can produce 30-50,000 viable seeds. Impacts Giant Hogweed is a serious threat to human health. Contact with exposed human skin results in a red rash and blistering within 24-48 hours which can be serious, lasting several months and may persist for five years. Management Plans for Giant Hogweed A number of methods are available. The method chosen depends on a number of factors e.g. available budget and the target date for control and eradication, but as with Japanese Knotweed the most cost effective treatment plans do require time to complete. What to do if you are exposed to Giant Hogweed sap? Wash the skin carefully with soap and water as soon as possible following contact. Keep the area of skin away from sunlight for at least 48 hours (this includes sunlight on dull, overcast days). Seek medical assistance – treatment with topical steroids early in the reaction can reduce the severity and ease discomfort. In the following months, sun cream should be used for the sensitive areas. IVM are leading invasive plant species contractor including Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed. Guide to Japanese Knotweed If you would like a free copy of our Guide to Japanese Knotweed email michael@i-v-m.co.uk to request one. Find us on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter @IVMLtd image 1 Japanese Knotweed 10 Year Insured Guarantees Detailed discussion between the PCA, the RICS and the mortgage lenders resulted in a 10 year insured guarantee option being available but only to accredited PCA members. The cost of the insurance is from only £79.50 per project and removes one of the obstacles to obtain funding as well as assisting in future sales. The insured guarantees became available in November 2012. Key Benefits It removes an obstacle in obtaining a mortgage. Assists future sales. In simple terms it insures the contractor guarantee for 10 years. Mortgage lenders will take into consideration a range of factors as you know when offering mortgage approval. It should definitely assist if Japanese Knotweed is the only issue. image 2 Why Choose IVM? IVM offer tailor made eradication programs for Japanese knotweed, Giant Knotweed, Hybrid Knotweed and Giant Hogweed. All treatments undertaken by IVM are guaranteed. Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd (IVM) offer guaranteed eradication of Japanese Knotweed (JK) using the advanced IVM 'FAST' System, this system uses the latest application techniques and scientific research to ensure complete eradication of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Knotweed and Hybrid Knotweed. The company directors have 31 years combined experience in Japanese Knotweed Treatment & Invasive Vegetation Management between them, with the operational side of the company being headed by a former Director of Business Operations at a company specialising in weed control & treatment of invasive weeds. The company has a wealth of experience in the scientific treatment of invasive plants, and can tailor a treatment program to suit any construction program. We pride ourselves on their Health and Safety and Environmental awareness, with all operatives trained to high standards and being members of NRoSO, BASIS, Amenity Assured and the PCA.