Map shows region’s Japanese knotweed hotspots
PEOPLE URGED TO BE VIGILANT FOR SIGNS OF INVASIVE PLANT IN GARDENS
AS warmer temperatures have hit northern Lincolnshire in recent days, many people may begin to notice unwanted weeds and plants growing in their gardens.
While most of these are essentially harmless, a number of plants - including the Japanese knotweed - can soon turn into a nightmare if left unchecked.
The plant hibernates through winter, reawakens in the spring and spreads rapidly, growing up to several inches a day by the height of summer.
Invasive plant specialist Environet has produced a handy heatwave map in a bid to inform people about the presence of Japanese knotweed in their area - and luckily, the presence of the plant in northern Lincolnshire is relatively low in comparison with other parts of the country.
The map description reads: “Exposed: The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap is an interactive online heatmap of Japanese knotweed sightings across the UK.
Nic Seal
“Designed to inform homeowners and homebuyers of the local presence of knotweed and the potential risk to their property, the data is generated from over 50,000 known infestations, with new sightings added daily.”
The map states that in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, there are five occurrences of the plant within 4km, with the same figure over in Humberston.
In Louth, there are three occurrences within 4km. In Scunthorpe, there has also been three occurrences within 4km.
The plant was first brought to the UK in 1850 in a box delivered to Kew Gardens.
It was much sought after for its pretty flowers - but its fast-growing roots soon led to a wild overgrowth, and it is now found all over the country.
Nic Seal, founder and managing director of Environet, said: “Japanese knotweed tends to strike fear into the hearts of homeowners but as long as they’re aware of its presence and take action to remove it before it causes any serious damage or spreads to a neighbour’s property, there’s no reason to panic.
“By publishing the 2022 hotspots we hope to raise awareness and encourage people in the area to be vigilant for signs of knotweed as the growing season takes off, so they can act quickly if needed.
“Anyone living near or moving to one of these hotspots would be wise to check their garden carefully, enter their postcode into Exposed to find out how many known occurrences are nearby and if in doubt, seek expert help.”
By publishing the 2022 hotspots we hope to raise awareness and encourage people in the area to be vigilant for signs of knotweed as the growing season takes off ...