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Japanese knotweed: separating fact from fiction

Japanese knotweed

PCA’s inaugural conference puts invasive weeds under the spotlight for the quarrying industry

NATIONAL trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) is to hold a specialized one-day conference dedicated to the subject of non-native invasive plants. ‘Understanding Invasive Weeds: Japanese Knotweed, Fact and Fiction’ will take place on 23 September 2015 at The Vale Resort, Hensol, Cardiff.

It is the first conference to be held by the PCA’s specialist Invasive Weed Control Group and will be facilitated by Richard Newis from Ashfield Japanese Knotweed (chair), Ian Graham from Complete Weed Control and Prof. Max Wade from AECOM.

 

As well as seeking to promote a sensible, evidence-based approach to Japanese knotweed, there will be a focus on other invasive weeds such as Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed, which are increasingly under scrutiny in the UK following new EU regulations which came into effect in January this year.

These new regulations will empower government agencies to issue Control Orders that necessitate the management of high-risk invasive weed species at specified sites, potentially including quarries and neighbouring properties.

The organizers say the conference will be of interest to a wide-range of professionals, reflecting the impact that invasive weeds are having throughout the UK.

Stephen Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA, said: ‘The overarching purpose of this first conference is to provide delegates with the information they need to effectively deal with the issues associated with Japanese knotweed.

‘The content of the day is designed to accommodate the needs of those with relatively little awareness of the species and its impact, as well as those who have a good knowledge but are looking for well-presented, up-to-date facts about the solutions for dealing with the problems associated with Japanese knotweed, as seen from a number of differing perspectives.’

According to Mr Hodgson, misinformation is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving effective management of Japanese knotweed within the UK.

‘For the first time, assembled experts from the industry will be available to present well-researched, actionable information in a format that is genuinely useful to the attendees,’ he said. ‘The conference will provide an opportunity for delegates to update their work and practices, and explore the control of invasive weeds at a site and landscape scale.’

In 2012, the PCA worked with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to set up the Invasive Weed Control Group, to signpost professional treatment companies.

Mr Hodgson added: ‘For several years now we have taken steps to control Japanese knotweed. It is just a plant and we are taking all steps necessary to ‘normalize’ it, so it is viewed generally as any other type of property problem, in that it can be identified and treated, with minimal impact.

‘Increasingly, our focus will now include adopting this approach to other invasive weeds, in line with the requirements of the new EU regulations. This conference will provide an excellent opportunity to find out more about the subject.’

For a full conference programme or to make a booking visit: http://www.property-care.org/invasive-weed-control-group-conference-understanding-invasive-weeds-japanese-knotweed-fact-and-fiction/

 

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