|
Since 2000 MVCP has been co-ordinating a control program of this poisonous & invasive plant along the banks of the Rivers Medway and Teise. Sponsored by the Environment Agency and local councils, the scheme has been working with the co-operation of local landowners, local councils and river users to move towards successful control of this Russian Invader.
So far the initiative has successfully raised the awareness of the problem and has treated plants from Aylesford to Penshurst on the Medway and from Yalding to Bayham Abbey on the Teise.
Key Facts about Giant Hogweed…
Bought to Britain by Victorians as an ornamental, but soon colonised many river banks and streams.
A perennial, taking three years to mature, each seed head can produce up to 50 000 seeds.
It grows faster and bigger than native plants, out-competing them and eventually forming dense stands, blanket covering whole sites.
Can grow up to 5 metres tall, but dies back in the winter exposing river banks to erosion.
Has sap which reacts in sunlight causing skin to painfully burn and blister.
|
|
