Action on Japanese knotweed menace

WORK has begun to remove an invasive and damaging weed growing near a Dearne Valley river.The Environment Agency is taking steps to eradicate Japanese knotweed found growing on washlands that it owns near Bolton-on-Dearne.The plant was much admired by Vict

WORK has begun to remove an invasive and damaging weed growing near a Dearne Valley river.

The Environment Agency is taking steps to eradicate Japanese knotweed found growing on washlands that it owns near Bolton-on-Dearne.

The plant was much admired by Victorian gardeners for its heart-shaped leaves and bamboo-like stems but poses a problem in the 21st century because of its penetrating roots.

The fast-growing species can damage flood defences and is so invasive that it can outgrow and overpower native wildlife.

Landowners are legally obliged to prevent the spread of it and the Environment Agency is working to remove the plant, which has been found on washlands at Lowfield Lane to the east of Bolton.

Out of control

Environment Agency project manager Stuart Jenkinson said: “While there’s not much knotweed in the washlands at the moment, we still need to take swift action.

“Like a lot of pests, if you ignore it, it can soon get out of hand.

“Japanese knotweed is not harmful to people but left to itself it can run riot through the countryside.

“We will be using a trained, specialist contractor to chemically-treat the roots.

“Unfortunately, it’s a tough old character and we will need to come back for at least three years to make sure it’s finally gone.”

Since its introduction to Britain as an ornamental garden plant in the 19th century, Japanese knotweed escaped into the countryside and has spread widely along rivers and canals and onto waste ground.