Invasive plant species
Himalayan balsam
Japanese knotweed
Non-native, invasive plants are a significant threat to the integrity of natural ecosystems and can involve significant time and expense to treat prior to construction. It is vital therefore that a developer knows the location and extent of invasive species on a site - ideally well before a project starts.
The most commonly encountered invasive plant in the UK is Japanese knotweed, followed by Himalayan balsam (along water courses) and giant hogweed, the leaves of which are toxic to the touch. Japanese knotweed in particular can be extremely time-consuming to eradicate.
Other occasionally encountered invasive plants include the aquatic New Zealand swamp stonecrop, water fern and parrot's feather.
We offer a full range of invasive species surveys and can advise on the legislative position and methods of eradication if needed.