We could be forgiven for thinking we are masters of our universe when it comes to managing Japanese knotweed. The Environment Agency’s and our own Code of Practice, based on text-book biology and years of collective practical experience, are referred to as ‘best practice’ guidance. The very term is prejorative; Read the full article…
The PCA were invited to give a paper last week at the EMAPi conference in Prague, a biennial research conference on all aspects of invasive weed ecology and management, attended by leading experts/academics from around the world. Our very own Dr Peter Fitzsimons represented the PCA. So, in Peter’s words, Read the full article…
For those of you that may not know, Japanese knotweed is now a well established and increasing known invasive plant that can be commonly found in residential surveys. For those wondering “what the heck am I talking about“, a simple ‘Google’ search will instantly throw up a wide variety of Read the full article…
Following a review of the EU Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Regulations, 17 new species are being added to the list of ‘Species of Concern’ – 13 of these are plants! This is important news for our ‘Invasive Weed Group Members‘ who already have a total of over 64 plants to Read the full article…
Words can be very powerful and conjure-up strong emotive reactions. If we describe something as ‘weedy’ it’s usually a negative term suggesting something defective or weak etc, but nothing could be further from the truth as far as actual weeds are concerned! Most weeds (lets assume a working definition as Read the full article…
Here’s a thought for all the CSJK surveyors out there… you are carrying out a routine Japanese knotweed survey for your client. None found so you submit a negative report, and you’re pretty sure you would have spotted any Giant hogweed or Himalayan balsam if it was present. Client happy. Read the full article…
The long-awaited report following the Science and Technology Committees session into Japanese knotweed and its impact on homes, mortgages and the built environment has finally been released. In many respects, we are pleased to say, the report is reasonably balanced. From a Property Care Association perspective, it puts the Association Read the full article…
It is not often you come across news that the Government is prepared to pay ‘over the odds’ to make contaminated land right again. You might even be partial to thinking “pigs might fly” before anything like that happens! However, on this occasion, it really does seem to be true! Read the full article…
Being described as “a reasonably sensible, bluff bloke from a builders’ trade association” by ‘Quentin Letts’ in the Daily Mail may not have been the highlight of last week, but it did make me giggle. Unfortunately, the other good people on the panel with me on Tuesday morning, giving evidence Read the full article…
The Science and Technology Committee yesterday held its anticipated session on Japanese Knotweed and its impact on the built environment. The sessions were broken into two parts. Firstly, focusing on the scientific evidence around the impact of Knotweed; and then secondly focusing on the response of bodies with an interest Read the full article…
Over 130 people logged onto the joint CABE and PCA webinar on Japanese Knotweed featuring our very own Dr Peter Fitzsimons’ earlier this week. Peter, PCA’s Technical Manager, explained the legislative framework which requires property developers and home owners (especially those undertaking development works) to carefully manage the treatment and/or removal of Read the full article…
[August 2018] Last Week PCA Technical Manager for Invasive Weeds, Peter Fitzsimons, completed his NPTC ‘Knapsack spraying’ certificate (PA1/PA6aw). This has helped Peter understand more about the standards used to assess Japanese knotweed technicians. These tests are a statutory requirement for the use of herbicides etc. in the weed control sector. Peter said “Having now Read the full article…
[July 2018] A national trade body says a new study into Japanese knotweed reinforces the fact the invasive weed’s impact on property is at odds with its reputation in the UK. According to the Property Care Association (PCA), research led by Dr Mark Fennell and Professor Max Wade of AECOM, Read the full article…
[March 2018] A garden of invasive plants is being developed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show by a national trade body, to emphasise an important message to visitors. Plants including buddleia, bamboo and montbretia might be a common sight in gardens across the country. But they are among a number Read the full article…
A national trade body is urging landowners to be alert to a growing number of invasive weeds now being controlled by EU regulations. The European Commission has recently added a further nine plant species to the current list of 14 species covered. Included in the list is Giant hogweed – Read the full article…
[July 2017] National trade body The Property Care Association is urging caution as the invasive weed Giant Hogweed takes hold this summer. The plant’s sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a danger to public health. And experts from the PCA say if anyone comes Read the full article…
[March 2017] As spring emerges the Property Care Association is urging landowners to be vigilant to the emergence of Japanese knotweed. Members of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group across the UK are being called out to investigate the emergence of Japanese knotweed’s distinctive red stems. While the growing season Read the full article…
[February 2017] LANDOWNERS are being urged to put firm plans in place to control Japanese knotweed following a landmark court ruling. Network Rail was last week ordered to pay compensation for damage caused to homes by the invasive weed spreading from its land. And property experts are warning the case Read the full article…
A national trade body has reached a significant milestone after awarding a key professional qualification for the 100th time. The Property Care Association (PCA) developed the Certificated Surveyor in Japanese Knotweed (CSJK) to provide a recognised standard for the invasive weed control sector. Consultant ecologist Peter Watson has become the Read the full article…
Leading figures from across the public and private sector will be discussing cutting-edge strategies to deal with non-native invasive plants at a national trade body conference. Follow up to successful 2015 ‘understanding invasive weeds’ conference The Property Care Association’s second annual Invasive Weed Conference features informed speakers with expertise in areas including Read the full article…
