Invasive Non-natives (Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed)

It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to plant or cause Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed to grow in the wild. This means it would be illegal for you to intentionally or accidentally spread these plants such that they grow in the wild. This can easily happen if machinery is used in the vicinity of clumps of Japanese Knotweed (its roots can extend up to 7m from a clump, break off readily, and even small root fragments are viable).

In addition, according to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991, cut Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed material and soil contaminated by these species must be disposed of as controlled waste, in accordance with Duty of Care, if it is to be removed from its site of origin (in some instances, this may be classified as special waste).

Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed are checked for during standard Adonis Ecology Phase 1, Ecology Risk Assessment and botanical surveys. The extent of these species on and around your site can be rapidly assessed to provide the information needed for control or eradication. Working with eradication and control experts, Adonis Ecology can help you comply with the legislation quickly and cost-effectively.

To discuss your site and requirements in more detail, contact us today.