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Ian Lifford Area Manager Streetscene

Ian Lifford Area Manager Streetscene. Chester West and Chester Council ian.lifford@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. GIANT HOGWEED. What is it and what does it look like? Why is it a problem? Health and safety Areas locally affected Local management strategies

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Ian Lifford Area Manager Streetscene

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  1. Ian LiffordArea Manager Streetscene Chester West and Chester Council ian.lifford@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

  2. GIANT HOGWEED • What is it and what does it look like? • Why is it a problem? • Health and safety • Areas locally affected • Local management strategies • Engaging the community in aiding identification. • Cost and efficiency. • References

  3. What is Giant Hogweed? • Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzianum) is a native of South West Asia. • It was introduced to the UK in the late 19th Century as an ornamental plant (and appeared in the Botanical gardens at Kew). • It is common in the UK and is associated with both occupational and environmental problems. • The species is common along roads, footpaths, railway lines, rivers, wasteland, demolition sites and agricultural areas.

  4. What is Giant Hogweed cont. • Giant Hogweed is an aggressive competitor, which is able to out-compete native plant specimens, reducing the amount of suitable habitat available for insects, birds and mammals. • It produces approximately 1500 seeds per flower head in late summer (June/July). These seeds can remain inactive in the soil for several years. • The movement of the soil polluted with Giant Hogweed seeds must be carefully controlled to prevent the spread of the plant.

  5. What does it look like? • It is characterised by its size and may grow between 3-5 metres in height. Individual plants can take up to four years to reach this height and flower. • Other than size it bears a close resemblance to Cow Parsley and Hogweed. • Giant Hogweed has a reddish purple stem and spotted leaf stalks, with fine spines that make it appear fury. • The leaves may expand to 1.5 metres in width with flower heads 250 mm in width.

  6. Giant Hogweed Plant

  7. Just about to flower….

  8. Why is it a problem? • It contains a substance within its sap that makes the skin sensitive to ultra violet light. • This can result in severe burns to affected areas, producing swelling and severe painful blistering. • Large watery blisters usually appear 15-20 hours after contact with the sap and exposure to sunlight. • Damaged skin will heal very slowly, leaving residual pigmentation that can develop into phytophotodermatitis – a type of dermatitis that flares up in sunlight for which there is no straightforward treatment.

  9. Why is it a problem cont. • Contact between the skin and the sap of this species occurs either through brushing against the bristles on the stem (as with stinging nettle), or breaking the stem/leaves.

  10. Health and safety • Wear long sleeved clothing when working in areas where Giant Hogweed is present. • In the event of contact with the sap of this plant, the skin should be covered to reduce exposure to the sunlight and washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. • When working near Giant Hogweed always wear correct PPE e.g. coveralls, face shield. • If you do come into contact with the sap, seek medical attention.

  11. Hogweed injuries

  12. More Hogweed Injuries

  13. Areas locally affected in Chester • We currently cover 20 sites in and around the Chester area. • The sites cover approximately 2500-3000m². • The most densely populated areas for Giant Hogweed locally are the Riverbank and University Valley.

  14. Local management strategies • CWAC carry out spraying of Giant Hogweed from late March-July, depending on weather conditions (e.g. wind and rain). • We carry out weekly checks on all known sites for new growth. • We use glyphosate (systemic weed control). To be successful the plants need to be 600mm in height when sprayed. The bigger the leaf the better the contact.

  15. Engaging the community in aiding identification • There are approximately 8 complaints received each year. • We have regular ‘spotters’ who are very helpful and we have a good working relationship with these people. • We work in partnership with local residents from Curzon Park, Stadium Way and Sealand Road allotment holders. • Whenever possible we meet with local residents and do a joint visit to assess the problem.

  16. Cost and efficiency • Over the last 4 years we have spent approximately 15K on eradication of Giant Hogweed • Over the last 4 years the number of Giant Hogweed plants reported has reduced in the area by 30%.

  17. References • www.gardenorganic.org.uk • www.giant-alien.dk/pdf/Giant Credits Gary Hulmes Streetscene Supervisor gary.hulmes@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

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