06 September 2021

Study warns of 'dramatic' increase in Japanese Knotweed cases

Study warns of dramatic increase in Japanese Knotweed cases image

The number of confirmed Japanese Knotweed cases in the UK have increased by 28% over the last five years, a new study has revealed.

Using figures from 49 local authorities, Horticulture.co.uk found there are now 29,536 confirmed cases every year of the invasive plant species.

South Yorkshire, Hampshire & West Sussex were the three counties with the fastest growing number of cases, the data reveals.

According to the data, there are a further 19,702 unconfirmed cases of Japanese knotweed, with thousands more in the UK likely to remain unreported.

Thomas O’Rourke, editor of Horticulture.co.uk, said: 'The findings show a dramatic increase in the number of live Japanese Knotweed cases, despite the reduction in monitoring caused by the pandemic. This is worrying news for both native wildlife and property owners in the UK – where a live knotweed invasion can cause structural damage and the ‘crowding-out’ of native species.

'Given this impact on the habitat of native UK species, it’s important for environmental organisations to understand and access the latest records on where they can be found in the UK. This helps with monitoring and management programmes to control its spread.'

Horticulture.co.uk has launched an interactive map to encourage people to report live cases to their local council.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Practice Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum, pro rata
The service very much promotes flexible working with the ability to work remotely from other bases, as well as working from home Richmond, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Practice Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum, pro rata
The service very much promotes flexible working with the ability to work remotely from other bases, as well as working from home Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Legal Assistant Litigation

Durham County Council
£30,024 to £33,699 p.a. (Grade 7)
The Council’s Regulatory & Enforcement team is expanding and is looking to appoint a legal assistant to support and enhance its litigation work.   WHA Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Customer Services Assistants

Durham County Council
£24,790 to £25,992 p.a. (Grade 4)
A vacancy has arisen within Transactional and Customer Services for two  Customer Services Assistant working full time, 37 hours per week. Your primar Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Litigation Lawyer

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
The Council’s Regulatory & Enforcement team is expanding and is looking to appoint a lawyer to support and enhance its litigation work.   WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner