Invasive Species Affecting Our Region
Species Discription
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed: Spread, Impact and Management
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive non-native species originating from Japan, Taiwan and northern China. Introduced to the UK in the early 19th century, it is a long-lived perennial that regenerates annually from extensive underground rhizomes.
Spread occurs through the movement of rhizom
Japanese Knotweed: Spread, Impact and Management
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive non-native species originating from Japan, Taiwan and northern China. Introduced to the UK in the early 19th century, it is a long-lived perennial that regenerates annually from extensive underground rhizomes.
Spread occurs through the movement of rhizome or stem fragments, often as a result of soil disturbance, fly-tipping or inappropriate disposal of plant material. Even very small fragments are capable of establishing new infestations.
Once established, Japanese knotweed forms dense monocultures that outcompete native vegetation, reduce biodiversity and can cause nuisance and structural damage to built environments. Its presence requires careful management to prevent spread, and control should be carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and best practice guidance.
Hymalayan Balsam
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed
Himalayan Balsam: Legal Status and Environmental Impact
Himalayan balsam is a highly invasive non-native species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and identified by the Non-native Species Secretariat as a Species of Special Concern. It is illegal to intentionally introduce, cultivate or spread the plant.
The p
Himalayan Balsam: Legal Status and Environmental Impact
Himalayan balsam is a highly invasive non-native species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and identified by the Non-native Species Secretariat as a Species of Special Concern. It is illegal to intentionally introduce, cultivate or spread the plant.
The presence of Himalayan balsam on land is not in itself an offence, but landowners are expected to prevent its spread. Active management or removal is recommended, particularly where the plant occurs near watercourses or sensitive habitats.
Despite being valued by bees for its late-season nectar, Himalayan balsam has significant negative impacts. It outcompetes native vegetation through rapid early growth, forming dense, tall stands that reduce plant diversity. Along rivers and streams, its shallow root system contributes to soil erosion, bank instability and wider habitat degradation.
Marestail
Japanese Knotweed
Marestail
Marestail (Horsetail): Why It’s Such a Problem Weed
Marestail (Equisetum arvense), often called horsetail, is a notoriously difficult perennial weed. It spreads both by wind-borne spores and by deep underground rhizomes, which can reach several metres into the soil.
The plant has two growth stages: brown, spore-producing stems in early spri
Marestail (Horsetail): Why It’s Such a Problem Weed
Marestail (Equisetum arvense), often called horsetail, is a notoriously difficult perennial weed. It spreads both by wind-borne spores and by deep underground rhizomes, which can reach several metres into the soil.
The plant has two growth stages: brown, spore-producing stems in early spring and green, fir-like stems later in the season. Its deep roots mean that shallow digging or cutting usually fails and can even encourage further spread.
Marestail can dominate gardens and other areas, crowding out plants and causing long-term problems. It is also toxic to grazing animals if eaten in large amounts. Control requires persistence and, in many cases, specialist herbicides. Care should be taken not to spread it through soil or compost.
Not to be confused with: Hippuris vulgaris, also known as mare’s tail, which is a harmless aquatic pond plant.
Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed: An Invasive and Hazardous Plant
Giant hogweed is a fast-growing, non-native plant that can quickly dominate areas by shading and outcompeting other plants. It is legally classed as an invasive species and is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as by the Non-native Species Secretariat. Th
Giant Hogweed: An Invasive and Hazardous Plant
Giant hogweed is a fast-growing, non-native plant that can quickly dominate areas by shading and outcompeting other plants. It is legally classed as an invasive species and is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as by the Non-native Species Secretariat. This makes it illegal to intentionally plant, grow, sell or spread it.
Having giant hogweed on your land is not a crime in itself, but you must not allow it to spread. Controlling or removing it is strongly recommended.
Beyond its environmental impact, giant hogweed poses a serious risk to human health. The plant’s sap contains chemicals that make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. Contact can result in severe burns, blistering, skin discoloration and long-lasting scarring. Avoid touching the plant and seek professional advice if removal is required.
Ragwort
Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed
Ragwort in the Garden: Know Where It’s Welcome
Ragwort is a native UK wildflower that supports an impressive range of wildlife, with over 200 species of invertebrates recorded on it. Its bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies and moths, and it is essential for the caterpillars of the striking cinnabar moth.
However, ragwort is also
Ragwort in the Garden: Know Where It’s Welcome
Ragwort is a native UK wildflower that supports an impressive range of wildlife, with over 200 species of invertebrates recorded on it. Its bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies and moths, and it is essential for the caterpillars of the striking cinnabar moth.
However, ragwort is also listed under the Weeds Act 1959 because it is poisonous to horses and livestock. Both fresh and dried plants can cause serious liver damage if eaten.
For gardeners, the key issue is location. If your garden borders grazing land or fields used to produce hay or silage, ragwort should be controlled and removed to prevent risk to animals. Where there is no connection to livestock or forage production, ragwort can be a valuable and attractive addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Buddleia
Giant Hogweed
Buddleia
Buddleja: Butterfly Magnet or Invasive Shrub?
Buddleja, commonly known as the butterfly bush, is well known for its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies. Its dramatic summer blooms and ability to grow in poor conditions have made it a popular garden plant, with some compact varieties suitable for containers.
At the same ti
Buddleja: Butterfly Magnet or Invasive Shrub?
Buddleja, commonly known as the butterfly bush, is well known for its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies. Its dramatic summer blooms and ability to grow in poor conditions have made it a popular garden plant, with some compact varieties suitable for containers.
At the same time, buddleja is considered invasive in many parts of the world, including the UK. It spreads easily by seed, colonises disturbed ground and walls, and can damage buildings and crowd out native plants.
While it provides an important nectar source for adult butterflies, buddleja offers little support for native caterpillars and other insect larvae. Responsible management — such as regular deadheading to prevent seeding, or replacing it with wildlife-friendly alternatives — can help balance its visual appeal with environmental responsibility.
Removal Methods used
Targeted Hand-Held Herbicide Injection
Nozzles / Atomisers – Land and Water Use
Nozzles / Atomisers – Land and Water Use
Hand-held pesticide injection is a professional, targeted solution for controlling invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed. The herbicide is precisely injected directly into the plant’s stem, reducing chemical drift, protecting surrounding vegetation, and ensuring effective control.
Nozzles / Atomisers – Land and Water Use
Nozzles / Atomisers – Land and Water Use
Nozzles / Atomisers – Land and Water Use
Herbicide use in the UK is tightly regulated by the HSE, and all plant protection products (PPPs) must be authorised. Regulations ensure safe storage, sale, and application, protecting people, wildlife, and the environment. Professional users must be trained, and additional approvals are required for use near watercourses.
Hand removal of invasive weeds
Nozzles / Atomisers – Land and Water Use
Hand removal of invasive weeds
Hand removal, often called “balsam bashing,” is a highly effective, non-chemical method for controlling Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). Thanks to its shallow root system, the plant can be pulled out by hand, making this approach practical and environmentally friendly. Since Himalayan balsam is an annual plant, the key is to re
Hand removal, often called “balsam bashing,” is a highly effective, non-chemical method for controlling Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). Thanks to its shallow root system, the plant can be pulled out by hand, making this approach practical and environmentally friendly. Since Himalayan balsam is an annual plant, the key is to remove it before it produces seeds, typically between June and August, to prevent further spread.
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PJS Invasive Species Control LTD
Bacup, Lancashire, UK
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