The Problem

Giant hogweed out-competes and rapidly replaces most native plants by forming dense stands and creating monocultures most native plants cannot compete with. Its early germination and emergence also allows it to develop populations ahead of native species. It can also grow leaves over 1m wide which shades out native vegetation.

Once the plant dies back in winter, large areas of riverbanks are left exposed, becoming susceptible to erosion from increased water flow during winter months. This destabilises banks, resulting in loss of land and increased silt loading in the river, causing further adverse effects.

Although listed under schedule 9 of Wildlife and the Countryside Act - making it illegal to plant or grow in the wild in the UK - there is no statutory responsibility for private landowners, local authorities or other government agencies to control or remove it from their land.

Our Mission

Once Giant Hogweed has been sufficiently reduced, we will actively re-introduce flora to areas where large monocultures have made natural regeneration unlikely. Working with local natural history societies, wildlife groups and volunteers, these sites will be populated with plants, bulbs and seeds which are sympathetic to riverbanks, meadows and woodland. Once established, the sites will be maintained, monitored and managed, eventually becoming sources of seed for other sites along the rivers.