An extremely invasive and damaging plant has been found to be growing in New Brighton!
Japanese Knotweed is the notorious fast-growing species that can gain 10 centimetres of height a day when in optimal conditions. Each stem’s roots are up to 7 metres long, making it very difficult to eradicate.
It has taken root on the footpath along the Red Noses rocks, located behind the Dips in New Brighton.
The Knotweed now spans a distance of approximately 320 metres.
The plant has been flourishing undisturbed for around 4 years, apparently with no action being taken to attempt to remove it.
As a species, it can spread exceptionally easily and quickly - it can be transferred to further locations by the seeds or fragments of rhizomes simply attaching to somebody’s shoes and then taking root in any soil it passes.
Since the outbreak is near private properties, it is important that it is treated before it begins to spread to people’s gardens.
I reached out to Japanese Knotweed Expert - a company specialising in the removal of Japanese Knotweed, and they provided information about the dangers of the species in public areas and the consequences of having it on private property.
They shared that “Japanese Knotweed on average devalues properties by 10%. If allowed to grow in public spaces it will inevitably be spread to private residences; causing damage structurally to properties and reducing biodiversity.”
It is recommended that a management plan is put in place for the area, which will “increase biodiversity, along with adding protection to people’s homes.”
Fortunately, there are ways to kill this plant.
One option is to inject the stems with an authorised herbicide, another to excavate it from the bottom of the roots. However, this is a lengthy process and can be expensive.
The Japanese Knotweed has been reported to Wirral Borough Council on many occasions by concerned members of the public but no action has yet been taken.
