Invasive Plants

Invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, may pose a significant constraint and cost to development and early identification, (ideally before land acquisition) can mitigate their financial effects. Our ecologists are always looking for invasive species during site surveys and specific surveys can also be arranged where the exact scale of an issue needs to be defined.

A large number of invasive species are now listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), including a large number of alien aquatic species which were added to the list in April 2010. It is an offence under section 14(2) of the WCA to “plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild” any plant listed in Schedule 9, Part 2 to the Act.

We can provide assistance with control and eradication strategies or put you in contact with specialist contractors who can describe and cost the various options available. Our aim is to understand your needs and assist in finding the most cost-effective and/or most rapid control strategy available, as appropriate to the situation.