Japanese Knotweed code of practice updated

13th November 2017

A new code of practice has been produced for managing Japanese knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive weed which is extremely resilient to treatment. A powerful and complex system of roots can force their way through brick and concrete meaning it can cause extensive damage to properties, road verges, rail infrastructure and flood defences. Management or extermination is challenging, time-consuming and costly owing to the plant's aggressive nature. 

For people trying to sell their homes, Japanese Knotweed can be a devastating issue, as lenders can refuse to provide mortgages to properties affected by it. The cost to homes in terms of falling value and treatment of knotweed is an annually estimated at £166 million across the UK.

Knotweed specialist, the Invasive Non-native Specialists Association (INNSA), was tasked with producing a new version of the Enivironment Agency's guidebook Managing Japanese Knotweed on Development Sites. 

The new edition Code of Practice - Managing Japanese Knotweed is already the most downloaded document on the Environment Agency’s website since it was published in late September.

Chairman for INNSA, James Sherwood-Rogers, said: “Expected to be a go-to document for all developers, planners and contractors who may encounter Japanese knotweed in the course of their work, the new Code of Practice will provide a clear understanding of what is required and recommended when managing infested land in an appropriate way.”

In North Wales, a former call-centre worker is on a mission to tackle the scourge of Japanese Knotweed after he was moved by the plight of a desperate householder.

Iestyn Jones, of Dolgellau, said: “When I was working for Natural Resources Wales, I took a call from an elderly lady who was very distressed by her Japanese Knotweed”.

“As she had no internet access, I did some research for her but a Google search returned no results for any professional removal firms in North Wales.

In 2013, Iestyn visited the Royal Welsh Show, and discovered an organisation who offered courses in pesticide applications.

Iestyn was awarded a specific Japanese Knotweed qualification, and launched his own business in Dolgellau. Iestyn's company, Japanese Knotweed Removal Wales (JKRW), has recently formed a partnership with a licensed drone operator to survey infestations.

Written by Ian Johnson