Shanklin has been marked as a hotspot location on the Isle of Wight in terms of the number of infestations of Japanese knotweed in the area, according to an online tracker.
Environet’s interactive map shows the town had 82 infestations recorded within 4km, with Sandown second with 56 infestations and Bembridge with 52 infestations.
Following a winter period of hibernation, Britain’s most invasive plant begins to grow in March or April as temperatures increase. The plant, which can cause damage to property and quickly take over a garden, can reach several metres high by mid-summer.
The weed, which can often be seen poking through cracks in garden paths and driveways, along with patios and drains, can reduce a property’s value by almost 10%. Homeowners in their gardens are urged to be on the lookout for purple or red shoots which transform quickly into green shrubs with shovel-shaped leaves.
Other towns on the list with high numbers of infestations included Newport with 39, and Cowes with 37.
I see it all the time up Shanklin downs. You cannot stop nature.
And if you find it what then???
Will the Council remove it for free…if not it will obviously take over and thrive.
They get enough Council Tax from people for it to be remove it as part of the charge.