Green Building Forum - Japanese Knotweed Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:53:19 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175074#Comment_175074 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175074#Comment_175074 Wed, 01 May 2013 14:05:42 +0100 sally
Japanese Knotweed Solutions Company (JKSL), based in Radcliffe, is hosting a special free, all-day seminar, ‘Invasive Plants – Myths and Legends’, to be held on 22 May 2013 at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), to examine the myths and legends of what is arguably the most damaging invasive species found on UK shores.

It will feature a number of discussions, question and answer sessions and presentations from guest speakers including, the founder and Chief Executive of JKSL, Mike Clough, Professor John Moverley OBE from the Amenity Forum, Richard Shaw of CABI, Rob Simpson of BASIS, and Derek Smith of Ragwort UK. It will also introduce Mesh Tech as a brand, focuses on a cleaner, greener, meaner method of eradication. The new technique does not involve chemicals but instead uses the plants aggressive nature against itself. Initial trials have proved the method successful and it is an ideal technique for use on riverside locations, railway embankments and highways. http://www.jksl.com/other-treatments.htm

Controlling Japanese Knotweed costs the UK economy more than £150m every year – and now some mortgage lenders are apparently refusing to lend where Japanese Knotweed is found.

‘Invasive Plants – Myths and Legends’, on 22 May 2013 at MOSI, will run from 9.30am until 5pm, and includes morning refreshments, lunch and free parking. Due to the high level of interest expected, places are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information about the seminar and Japanese Knotweed Solutions Limited, please visit the website - www.jksl.com - or call 0333 920 1302.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175080#Comment_175080 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175080#Comment_175080 Wed, 01 May 2013 15:27:38 +0100 SteamyTea Get them to come down here and eradicate it, I am tired of cutting down and taking it to the municipal tip to be turned into compost.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175081#Comment_175081 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175081#Comment_175081 Wed, 01 May 2013 15:37:31 +0100 Charli
Next doors chickens don't seem to mind eating it.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175082#Comment_175082 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175082#Comment_175082 Wed, 01 May 2013 15:43:01 +0100 SteamyTea There is a site near here that was cleared of it for new housing, within a month is was sprouting again. Being Cornwall I suspect they just shipped in new earth from the other side of town where they were building.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175084#Comment_175084 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175084#Comment_175084 Wed, 01 May 2013 16:30:42 +0100 Charli Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175088#Comment_175088 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175088#Comment_175088 Wed, 01 May 2013 16:59:41 +0100 borpin Posted By: SteamyTeaI am tired of cutting down and taking it to the municipal tip to be turned into compost. Thought is was a notifiable plant that *must not* go into compost/recycling (as it just spreads).

Just checked and yes it is controlled waste in E&W http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/130079.aspx]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175089#Comment_175089 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175089#Comment_175089 Wed, 01 May 2013 17:01:18 +0100 borpin ]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175104#Comment_175104 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175104#Comment_175104 Wed, 01 May 2013 21:00:32 +0100 pmusgrove Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175198#Comment_175198 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175198#Comment_175198 Thu, 02 May 2013 16:11:45 +0100 djh Posted By: CharliI have a garden full of it... impossible to eradicate as its coming over the boundary from the local Primary School- who are unwilling to do anything about it. If they attempt to remove it but inadvertantly spread it my land- then the law can do something about it, but if they just leave it to spread then there's nothing I can do.
That sounds like the sort of PC nonsense that abounds - like clearing your drive of snow. Perhaps HSE would be interested? :devil:

According to the link borpin listed, you could try taking them to court for causing a nuisance.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175217#Comment_175217 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175217#Comment_175217 Thu, 02 May 2013 19:15:21 +0100 SteamyTea Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175233#Comment_175233 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175233#Comment_175233 Thu, 02 May 2013 20:21:15 +0100 windy lamb Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175245#Comment_175245 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175245#Comment_175245 Thu, 02 May 2013 22:04:47 +0100 tombuild.com
CUT IT!
BURN IT!
REPEAT!

the only thing you can do.....]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175249#Comment_175249 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175249#Comment_175249 Thu, 02 May 2013 22:42:26 +0100 Ed Davies

Slightly more seriously, reading above about taking it to the municipal compost site had me a bit worried. They're supposed to kill any seeds in the but it's hard to be sure. According to Wikipedia, though, it's probably illegal:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_knotweed#Invasive_species

“It is also classed as "controlled waste" in Britain under part 2 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This requires disposal at licensed landfill sites.”]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175251#Comment_175251 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175251#Comment_175251 Fri, 03 May 2013 07:00:10 +0100 SteamyTea Posted By: SteamyTeaI am tired of cutting down and taking it to the municipal tip to be turned into compost.

Posted By: Ed DaviesSlightly more seriously, reading above about taking it to the municipal compost site had me a bit worried.
Was being facetious.

But my neighbours cut it down for years and carted it off as they did not know what it was.
I use Roundup on it.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175277#Comment_175277 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175277#Comment_175277 Fri, 03 May 2013 13:30:13 +0100 windy lamb Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175288#Comment_175288 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175288#Comment_175288 Fri, 03 May 2013 14:55:55 +0100 Charli Posted By: djh
That sounds like the sort of PC nonsense that abounds - like clearing your drive of snow. Perhaps HSE would be interested?img>

According to the link borpin listed, you could try taking them to court for causing a nuisance.
Have found it very difficult to find anyone who is interested- have spent 8 months chasing two councils (the council the land is actually in, plus the seperate council that owns the school), as well the the Headmistress of the school and the schools caretaking team, got the Wildlife Trust round too, as well as several Knotweed-exterminator type companies. The school don't care to do anything. And I can try taking them to court- but thats really expensive and there's no guarantee I will win. Or that even if I do win, they'll actually do anything. Anything my side of the fence gets round-upped (neat roundup poured injected into the stems)(anything I miss next doors escaped chickens seem to eat), but the school have expressly forbid me from going on their land- so nothing I can do about the massive infestation the other side of the fence! Its all joyous fun.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175294#Comment_175294 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175294#Comment_175294 Fri, 03 May 2013 15:58:46 +0100 SteamyTea Was a waste of £20m]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175343#Comment_175343 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175343#Comment_175343 Sat, 04 May 2013 15:02:03 +0100 djh Posted By: CharliHave found it very difficult to find anyone who is interested- have spent 8 months chasing two councils (the council the land is actually in, plus the seperate council that owns the school)
Which councils are they?]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175389#Comment_175389 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175389#Comment_175389 Sat, 04 May 2013 22:32:09 +0100 tombuild.com
CUT IT!
BURN IT!
REPEAT!

admittedly there is no cure if the school does bugger all - maybe climb over the fence at night or inform them in writing that you will be coming on to school grounds to deal with it - they will then be obliged to respond in writing and then send this to the press. Chances are there's nothing you can do - maybe dig a vast hole so that the offending weed falls into your garden !! It's a bit like picking up my neighbours cats mess every day - unless I get an large air rifle or a dog, I can't do anything legal....]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175390#Comment_175390 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175390#Comment_175390 Sat, 04 May 2013 22:39:52 +0100 joe90
from:-
http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/environmentplanning/natural_environment/biodiversity/japanese_knotweed/whats_the_problem/jk_and_the_law.htm]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175402#Comment_175402 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175402#Comment_175402 Sun, 05 May 2013 08:17:55 +0100 Triassic
There was some talk of introducing a natural predator in a bid to eradicated this invasive weed, not sure where the powers that be are up to on that one?

The Environmnt Agency page on Japanese Knotweed is here, interestingly there is an App to use to report it, so this maybe a good starting point in getting it flagged up with the EA and it may also be worth getting the EA inspector involved as the school needs to be more proactive in the management of this weed.
http://environment-agency.resultspage.com/search?p=Q&ts=ev2&w=knotweed&x=11&y=6]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175441#Comment_175441 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175441#Comment_175441 Sun, 05 May 2013 18:11:51 +0100 seascape Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175446#Comment_175446 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175446#Comment_175446 Sun, 05 May 2013 20:18:57 +0100 windy lamb Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175449#Comment_175449 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175449#Comment_175449 Sun, 05 May 2013 20:54:24 +0100 SteamyTea
Would have awaken the Kraken anyway, then we would be in trouble.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175452#Comment_175452 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175452#Comment_175452 Sun, 05 May 2013 21:14:04 +0100 Charli Posted By: djh
Which councils are they?

I live in the district of Amber Valley Council, but the school is ran by Derbyshire County Council.

Have now drafted another letter to them (I like to get everything in writing-with dates on and recorded delivery and stuff), mentioning all the useful stuff you've told me! Will see what form of reply I get!

Thanks]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175465#Comment_175465 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175465#Comment_175465 Sun, 05 May 2013 23:13:04 +0100 Gotanewlife
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_world%27s_100_worst_invasive_species]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175467#Comment_175467 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175467#Comment_175467 Mon, 06 May 2013 06:30:36 +0100 SteamyTea Should have dogs, the ones that are banned from the beach between Easter and 1st October.]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175485#Comment_175485 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175485#Comment_175485 Mon, 06 May 2013 10:32:07 +0100 Nick Parsons
As ever, I wish I could draw!

Wonderful mental images of shoals of cats returning up-river to their spawning grounds, and trout sleeping lazily on top of the boiler.....]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175489#Comment_175489 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175489#Comment_175489 Mon, 06 May 2013 10:54:41 +0100 SteamyTea ]]> Japanese Knotweed https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175545#Comment_175545 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10614&Focus=175545#Comment_175545 Tue, 07 May 2013 09:39:48 +0100 rhamdu
How about shredding it before composting? How small is the smallest viable fragment?

Does it survive if sun-dried, like hay?

If not 100% confident - how about storing the compost for an extra year, then forking it over to check for any developing knotweed plants?]]>