More Giant Hogweed

THOUGH the Environment Agency gave the impression that the Giant Hogweed found by the Grand Union Canal at Linslade was a remote case, this is not so.

Boaters throughout the country have been telling us of the poisonous plant established in many waterways, with Kevin Baker explaining that it is growing in abundance by the Wey & Arun, reaching 14 to 16 feet high, and it is a real pest.

Kevin adds that no matter what the farmers do, they do not seem to be able to get rid of it.

Shropshire Union

The weed is growing  by the Shropshire Union too, with Bob Evans telling us:

"There are also large clumps of it near the Tistone Mill Lock near Bridge 106 on the Shropshire Union, in fact one piece that is about nine feet tall is on the edge of the towpath and BW have just mowed around it!

"I read that the seed survive ten years, so it's an ongoing job."

'Sprung up'

Gerry Coles didn't realise that the plant that had 'sprung up' near his mooring, also on the Grand Union, was in fact a Giant Hogweed until he saw the picture in NbW, remarking:

"I rather liked the flowers on the thing, which gave a bit of colour, but a young lad was itching when he was messing around with it, and though I thought he had been nettled, it was the Giant Hogweed that had 'stung' him.  I am now going to see about getting rid of it."

Gerry is moored on the Leicester Section of the Grand Union, below Foxton Flight.