Today, most British home and landowners look to Japanese knotweed specialists for advice, legal support and eradication, but what is the government doing to stop the spread?
Spreading non-native plants is a big deal in the eyes of the law. With invasive plants like Japanese knotweed taking over the natural habitat of our own native plants, it is time for action.
- The Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI) has been on a mission to stop Japanese knotweed spreading since 2000 - a project that cost £600,000 over five years.
- The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) legislation says home and landowners are responsible for the spread of Japanese knotweed from their property - it is a criminal offence to allow knotweed to spread into the wild.
- Laws are set in place to minimise the risk of Japanese knotweed spreading. For example, if you dispose of Japanese knotweed clippings in any of your household waste bins, you are breaking the law - if you have an infestation in your garden educate yourself on the ways in which you could be prosecuted.
- In October 2020, Amsterdam released 5,000 Japanese knotweed fleas into the wild. The Amsterdam city council hope that these natural predators (psyllid's, "aphalara itadori") will eat away the Japanese knotweed growth that is taking over Amsterdam's famous canals. Britain are looking into similar studies. However, experts claim it will take between five and ten years before we see the positive effects of this plan of action.
Don't ignore Japanese knotweed
Remember, if you are a home or landowner, it is your responsibility to deal with the Japanese knotweed infestation. No matter who introduced the plant to your garden, or Britain for that matter, it is now your job to fix it!
But don't look at the costly removal price in despair, our advisors can check to see if you are owed compensation for Japanese knotweed damages.
Call our team today for further information, advice and to get rid of that invasive plant in your garden.
