These species can bring a whole range of problems including damaging concrete, tarmac and brickwork, causing health problems for grazing animals, irritation and blistering of skin and damage to local ecosystems.
The most commonly recorded problem species are Japanese knotweed (.pdf, 222Kb), Giant Hogweed, Himalayan balsam and Common Ragwort (.pdf, 523Kb).
Japanese knotweed can damage concrete, tarmac and brickwork as well as having a major impact on biodiversity. It spreads by its underground roots (rhizomes) and a piece of the root as small as 10mm can produce new plants.
Giant Hogweed can grow up to 5m tall. The stem and leaves have small hairs coated in sap that cause severe skin irritation and blistering.
Himalayan balsam has a major impact on biodiversity as it forms dense stands that shade out other vegetation. It is very common along watercourses where its seeds are easily spread.
Common Ragwort is important for biodiversity but is a problem where it grows on or near grazing land as it can be toxic to grazing animals when eaten. DEFRA have produced a Code of Practice for dealing with Common Ragwort and are the best contact for specialist advice.
Who is responsible for dealing with invasive species?
It is up to individual landowners to carry out treatment of invasive weeds on their land. The Council and the Environment Agency are not responsible for the control of invasive species on behalf of other landowners and do not have any powers to force landowners to carry out control.
If there is an issue with the spread of Japanese knotweed between private properties then this is a private matter between the two landowners. The Council have no powers to intervene in this or require a private landowner to resolve the matter. You may need to seek legal advice if your neighbour refuses to deal with the problem.
If there is a problem on Council-owned land adjacent to your property it is the land-holding department within the Council that will be responsible for dealing with the issue. If the property is a Council house then queries should be directed to the local area housing office. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust should be contacted for issues in local parks and playing fields. To find out which department is responsible for a particular piece of land you are advised to contact the Council’s Terrier Section who hold all records of Council land ownership on 01942 705464.
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