29-05-2025
Warning as Britain's ‘most dangerous plant' spotted in an area of Bolton
A toxic plant which is known to cause severe blistering and burns to humans has been spotted growing in the Tonge Moor area.
Hogweed plants, known as Britain's most dangerous, were spotted last week by a local resident on Cartmel Crescent and Firwood Lodges.
John Frazer, 74, who is secretary of the Bradshaw Brook Fly Fishing Club, went to assess the area.
The club has been working to push back hogweed plants from the Bradshaw Brook riverbank since 2022, and have so far cleared the area back to the River Tong.
Hogweed is an invasive and poisonous exotic plant.
It is a health and environmental risk. In humans, contact with giant hogweed sap, together with exposure to light (natural or artificial ultraviolet rays), causes skin lesions like burns.
The plants were spotted by residents over the weekend. (Image: John Frazer) The plant can cause burns and blindness if humans come into contact with it.
Hogweed was previously spotted in Longsight Park.
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John said: 'I know hogweed very well, it's related to cow parsley.
'It turns out there were dozens of plants in a 30m2 area down the slope from the path, with six seedlings traveling up as far as the path.
Hogweed can cause burns and blindness if humans come into contact with it. (Image: John Frazer) 'Bolton Council need to deal with this before the hogweeds begin to flower, which usually occurs in July.
'With each flowerhead producing between 30,000 and 50,000 seeds it wouldn't take long for the plant to spread along Bradshaw Brook in the same way it has on Eagley Brook and the Rivers Tong, Croal and Irwell, with the resultant danger and environmental impact.'
Local councillor has warned residents to stay away from the plants whilst plans are made to eradicate the hogweed from the area.
Cllr Martin Donaghy said: 'I ask residents to be extremely careful not to handle the hogweed and not to go anywhere near it.
'These plants can lead to a very painful rash when touched. I urge residents to keep away from it and to let the council eradicate it as soon as possible.'
A Bolton Council spokesperson said: 'An officer from the neighbourhoods team will attend as soon as possible.'
The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant.
Hogweed usually flowers in June or July. (Image: John Frazer)
Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk.
Leaves: the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy.
Flowers: the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on 'umbrella-like heads' that face upwards.
Seeds: the seeds are dry, flattened and an oval shape, almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines.
If you accidentally get Giant Hogweed sap on your skin, Healthline says that you should wash the area with mild soap and cool water as quickly as possible.
Hogweed leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. (Image: Getty images)
You should keep the skin covered when you're outside to protect it from the sunlight.
If a rash or blister begins to form, you should seek medical attention. Your treatment will depend on how severe your reaction is.
'Skin irritation that's caught early might be treated with a steroid cream and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain,' Healthline explains.
It adds: 'Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.'
Healthline also explains that the Giant Hogweed sap can damage more than just your skin - if the sap gets in your eyes, you can experience either temporary or permanent blindness. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems.
