Harmful Weeds and Invasive Non-Native Plants

You must do the following to control specific plants:-

• Prevent invasive non-native plants on your land from spreading into the wild and causing a nuisance.

• Prevent harmful weeds on your land from spreading on to a neighbour's property.

It is important to identify them so you can control them in the most appropriate way. You could be fined up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for up to 2 years if you allow contaminated soil or plant material from any waste you transfer to spread into the wild.

Harmful Weeds

The following weeds may be a danger to animals, or cause problems for agricultural production if left to spread unchecked:-

• Common ragwort.

• Spear thistle.

• Creeping or field thistle.

• Broad-leaved dock.

• Curled dock.

Further information on harmful weeds.

Invasive, Non-Native Plants

You must not plant in the wild or cause certain invasive and non-native plants to grow in the wild. The most commonly found invasive, non-native plants include:-

• Japanese knotweed.

• Giant hogweed.

• Himalayan balsam.

• Rhododendron ponticum.

• New Zealand pigmyweed.

Please note this legislation is enforced by Natural England/DEFRA
A complaint form is available below or you can telephone 0300 0601112

Further information on invasive, non-native plants