Case Studies - Amenities & Local Authorities
Invasive Weeds in Scotland
Weedfree Limited began a new contract with East Lothian Council in 2007 which as well as weed control to footpaths, hard surfaces and highway kerbs also involves the control of invasive weeds on council-owned land along the local riverside. The major problem here is Giant Hogweed, a relative of the more familiar Cow Parsley that grows alongside rural roads throughout the UK, Giant Hogweed as the name suggests grows rapidly to a great height and size, and spreads outwards overwhelming other vegetation if left unchecked. Giant Hogweed out-competes other plants, reducing biodiversity, and can also exacerbate soil erosion as its roots do not bind the soil in river banks as effectively as native grasses and shrubs. Far more worrying for human visitors even that the loss of amenity and habitat is the fact that Giant Hogweed sap is toxic, and that skin contaminated by the sap and then exposed to sunlight can be severely burned and permanently scarred. Hogweed poisoning can leave the victim with Phytophotodermatitis - a type of dermatitis that flares up in sunlight for which there is no straightforward treatment. The Weedfree team have now begun a regular programme of weed control on these sites, with the full approval of SEPA, with our operators wearing full protective gear to prevent any contact with these deadly invaders. Spraying with an appropriate herbicide is the most effective treatment option available, although it may take several years to achieve eradication.