Warning over Japanese knotweed growth in Norfolk village
Families using Greg's Meadow in Spixworth are being advised to keep their distance from part of a picnic area.
Greg's Meadow, Spixworth (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) It is after the discovery of Japanese knotweed, a plant native to East Asia which has spread out of control since being introduced to the UK in the 1800s.
Japanese knotweed (Image: PA) An area of the picnic area on the meadow has been fenced off to try and keep people away.
The area which has been fenced off in Greg's Meadow (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) A notice fixed to the fencing states Spixworth Parish Council is "currently undertaking a treatment programme to manage and control the spread of Japanese knotweed on Greg's Meadow picnic enclosure".
A notice on the fenced off area at Greg's Meadow (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Matthew Field, vice chairman of the parish council, said: "Having recently been made aware of the presence of Japanese knotweed on a small area of parish amenity land, the council has sought professional advice and agreed a course of action to contain and manage the issue.'
Japanese knotweed is identified by distinctive red stems and bamboo-like appearance.
It can grow up to 8ft tall and its roots can reach as wide as 28ft.
It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species, making it particularly harmful to the flora of the Norfolk Broads.
Tackling its spread costs the UK nearly £250 million a year, according to invasive plant specialists Environet, with an estimated 5pc of homes affected across the UK.
It can crack tarmac, block drains, undermine foundations and invade homes. Its presence can be enough to cut a property's value or prevent a mortgage lender approving a loan.
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