Further information - Weeds

Japanese Knotweed
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant during the 1800s. It is commonly found today along railway lines, riverbanks, roads and footpaths, in graveyards, on derelict sites or anywhere that it has been dumped, dropped or deposited.

What does it look like?
Japanese Knotweed forms dense clumps up to 3 metres in height. It has large, oval green leaves and a stem that is hollow and similar to bamboo. Usually in early spring (although it can be later in the year) the plant produces fleshy red tinged shoots. These can reach a height of 1.5 metres by May and 3 metres by June.

Why is it a problem?
Japanese Knotweed grows pretty much anywhere, from field edges to sand dunes, through tarmac and out of lampposts. The speed with which it has spread to all parts of the UK has been spectacular when you consider that it does not leave seeds behind but grows from pieces of the plant or root system that is cut and transported by people or by water.
or other plants, it offers a poor habitat for native insects, birds and mammals.

Common Ragwort (Senecio Jacobaea)
If an area becomes infested with Common Ragwort then a notice can be served on the land owner/occupier requiring action to be taken to remove it.

Why is it a problem?
Common Ragwort is poisonous to livestock and causes liver damage, which can have potentially fatal consequences.

Further Information

Ragwort is one of five injurious weeds covered by the provisions of The Weeds Act 1959. Ragwort is poisonous to horses, ponies, donkeys and other livestock, and causes liver damage, which can have potentially fatal consequences.

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Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 / Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 it is an offence "to plant or otherwise encourage" the growth of Japanese Knotweed. This could include cutting the plant or roots and disturbing surrounding soil if not correctly managed.

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