Japanese knotspots
Monster plant growing throughout UK
ONE in 20 homes has fallen victim to Japanese knotweed – the rapidly- spreading monster plant that can damage buildings, walls and fences.
Research found Bolton in Greater Manchester was the worst affected, with 621 infestations within just a 2.5-mile radius. This was followed by Bristol with 465 infestations within the same distance and St Helens in Merseyside at 440. Rounding off the top five were Cardiff and Blackburn, Lancs. Llanelli and Swansea, both in South
Wales, Rotherham in
South Yorks, London’s Shepherd’s Bush and Nottingham completed the top 10 worsthit areas.
Invasive plant specialist Environet, which carried out the research, estimates that the plant has knocked £20billion in total off house prices.
The firm has built an interactive heat map called Exposed, using more than 54,000 known infestations of Japanese knotweed across the country. Nic Seal, founder of Environet, said knowledge is power when tackling the monster invader. He said failing to carry out appropriate checks when buying a property could turn out to be an “expensive mistake”. Despite its fearsome reputation, with professional help the plant can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored, he added.
“I would urge anyone buying or selling a property, or homeowners wishing to preserve the value of their home, to be vigilant for signs of spring growth and check Exposed to see whether they live in a high-risk area.”
The plant, native to the Far East, was brought to Kew Gardens in London in the 1840s for its beautiful flowers. But it grew out of control and has now spread across the British Isles.