Introduced from Japan in 1850, Japanese Knotweed is one of the most pernicious weeds in the UK. In its native habitat, Japanese Knotweed is a pioneer species found typically on Volcanic Iarva. Reproduced rapidly via tiny fragments of its rhizome, the weeds of Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10cm a day and in just 10 weeks its stems can reach 3-4 meters in height.
Japanese knotweed is able to grow in most (if not all) soil conditions found in the UK, though these species show a strong preference for man-made habitats. Common habitats where invasive knotweeds are found include roadsides, waste ground, railway embankments and cuttings, mine spoil-tips and along rivers and streams. The plant is widespread throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The government has introduced a number of Japanese Knotweed laws and regulations surrounding the control, growth and transportation of Japanese Knotweed in order to protect homeowners, businesses and the environment alike. These laws have been put into legislation slowly over the years as a reaction to the growing spread of invasive plant species in the UK.
Due to the negative impacts on the UK environment and economy, all invasive knotweeds are listed under Schedule 9 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means it is an offence to plant or cause these plants to grow in the wild. It is not in itself an offence to have Japanese Knotweed growing on your land, however, it becomes an offence if you allow the plant to spread onto neighbouring land.
The knotweed plant is classed as ‘controlled waste material' under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which means it can only be transported by a registered waste carrier to suitably permitted or exempt sites.
For identification of Japanese Knotweed please visit the NNSS website