Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Giant Hogweed is controlled by legislation in the UK. It is a criminal offence to encourage or cause the growth of this plant in the wild, this can include moving soils. Soils containing viable seeds are classified as controlled waste under current waste management regulations. Movement of this material must be carried out in a controlled manner or you may be prosecuted by the regulatory body.
Giant Hogweed is an injurious plant causing serious burns to the skin and eyes. The danger is caused by the presence of toxins, which are found in the plant sap. These are known as furanocoumarins and, once activated by daylight / sunlight, these affect the DNA in the skin causing it to die resulting in severe skin damage blistering, scarring and long term dermatitis. Medically this ultra-sensitivity to daylight is often labelled as phytophotodermititis, which is derived from the ancient Greek words for plant, light, skin and inflammation.
Over recent years there has been more and more publicity regarding the injurious nature of Giant Hogweed. While regulatory bodies have the powers to enforce ‘clean up’ orders it is likely that the increased risk of personal injury claims and the bad publicity which goes with it will possibly be more effective encouragement for landowners, managers and developers to tackle this problem in a responsible manner. With the risk of injury so high it is important to use a professional specialist who will ensure that the problem is brought under immediate control.
Key Points
Legislated non-native plant species- Plant regenerates easily from seeds
- Soils containing viable seeds are classified as ‘controlled waste’
- Shades out our native flora and results in loss of habitat for fauna
- Easily spread by infested soils or along watercourses
General Information
Man first arrived in Britain about 8,000 years ago and virtually all new land plants that have become established since this date have been brought here by humans. We call these new plants non-native species.
Not all non-native species are bad – it is only a minority that have serious negative impacts on our native British species, our health or our economy. These species we call invasive non-native species.
No they are not. Interestingly the plant species which arguably is often found to be the most destructive, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is actually a native plant species. It certainly can still be invasive while being native and also very difficult to manage as many gardeners will testify.
While non-natives such as Japanese Knotweed are legislated to control movement; natives are not legislated because they are native to Britain.
As the name would suggest we specialise in the management of Japanese Knotweed. We do however also manage Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and other controlled plant species even the lesser known ones. We are not just restricted to land species we also advise on aquatics and semi-aquatics. We also manage and control native species too – in particular the mighty Horsetail.
We can help you find the best way to solve your particular problem. We will not try to upsell or exaggerate your situation – we will simply provide your options / explain your situation and associated risks – then work with you until the solution which is right for you presents itself. Simple!