Since the summer of 2011, Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) has worked towards the control of invasive non-native plant species on the Galloway rivers, from the Water of Luce to the River Urr. Recently, one of the most problematic and toxic plants has been featured on national media reporting the major human health concerns and environmental issues caused – this non-native plant being Giant Hogweed.
Last week, GFT completed the first part of the control work of Giant Hogweed on the banks of the River Urr, where more than 4,000m2 of Giant Hogweed was sprayed before it set seed. As this annual plant grows from a seed bank, which reportedly can be viable for 20 years, GFT’s control will continue, as part of their Galloway Community Invasives Project (GCIP) in early August to spray any new growth of Giant Hogweed.
Galloway Fisheries Trust’s Neil Dalrymple said “Giant Hogweed has been in the country since the Victorian era where it was planted as an ornamental plant. Since then, it has spread each year to the populations that it is today.” Neil highlighted the key identification features by saying “In
the UK, we do have native Hogweed, and although they share a name and have a similar appearance, the main difference is its size. Giant Hogweed
can grow up to 3m tall, leaves up to 1m long and bearing a white umbrella-style head up to 80cm in diameter.”
Giant Hogweed can cause serious blisters to your skin, and even blindness when coming in contact with the stems and sap; therefore should you find this plant, you can report it to www.inns.rafts.org.uk where it will be logged on a national database. Your reports will be accessed by GFT and other local partners such as Dumfries and Galloway Council and add to control plans where possible.
If you would like to keep up to date with the work of GFT, you can find the trust online at www.gallowayfisheriestrust.org
Main Photo- Giant Hogweed in a flowering state on the banks of the River Urr
