Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is one of the most hazardous invasive plants found in the UK. Its sap causes severe photosensitive skin reactions and can cause permanent scarring and visual impairment. It is a Schedule 9 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Giant hogweed is commonly found along riverbanks, on waste ground, in parks and along road and rail corridors. It can grow to over 5 metres tall and produces thousands of seeds per plant.
Why professional management is essential
Giant hogweed cannot be safely managed without appropriate personal protective equipment. Cutting or strimming without PPE causes sap to splash. All our management work is carried out by trained operatives using full body suits, gloves and eye protection.
Management approaches
We carry out giant hogweed surveys to confirm identification and assess the extent of populations, and provide management programmes using herbicide application and, where appropriate, physical removal with full PPE.