Invasive Plants

As a company and advocate of nature, Shorefield Holidays has a duty of care and legal obligation to control and attempt to eradicate all invasive and non-native species that you might have lurking on our parks. We thought sharing this information with you may also help you in your own gardens at home, so have highlighted the most common below: -

Japanese Knotweed

This is a fast growing and clump forming perennial, with tall, dense annual stems. Stem growth is renewed each year from the deeply penetrating rhizomes. Although it was originally introduced into Britain as an ornamental garden plant, it is now an invasive non-native, and can have devastating effects on the foundations of buildings and must be controlled.

www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/japanese-knotweed

Himalayan Balsam

This was originally introduced into the UK in 1839 and has become a naturalised plant found especially on riverbanks and waste land, where the ground conditions are damp. It can tolerate low light levels and shades out other vegetation, gradually killing off other plants. This plant is also considered an invasive non-native and must also be controlled.

www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/himalayan-balsam

Giant Hogweed

Although this is an impressive sight when fully grown, giant hogweed is invasive and potentially harmful. Chemicals in the sap can cause blistering to the skin, pigmentation and long-lasting scars thus posing a risk to public health.

www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/giant-hogweed

If you would like to know more about what you should be looking for and how to implement control methods, please read the guides provided in the links.

I hope you find this useful.

Ian, Park Supervisor, Shorefield Country Park