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Tread Carefully With Giant Hogweed Urges Trade Body

National trade body, The Property Care Association is urging the public in Yorkshire to treat Giant Hogweed with caution.

In recent weeks the invasive weed has been in the media spotlight, with incidents of injuries being reported, including to children.

The numbers of injuries could be set to increase as children roam affected areas in the summer holidays. There’s also a risk of injury to those tasked with removing the plant, unless correct safety measures are introduced.

Giant Hogweed sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a serious and significant danger to public health.

Contact with any part of the plant, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause severe blistering to the skin and discomfort, the latter possibly recurring over a number of years.

Further information is now available in the form of a Guidance Note from The Property Care Association (PCA).

Chairman of the PCA’s specialist Invasive Weed Control Group, Professor Max Wade, and fellow senior ecologist Dr Mark Fennell, have shared their expertise to produce a wide-range of information covering this species of non-native plant.

History and identification, the impact of Giant Hogweed, and details of control methods are all discussed – and further guidance is also offered on the health risks associated with the invasive weed.

The guidance note can be viewed at http://www.property-care.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Guidance-Note-Giant-Hogweed.pdf

Stephen Hodgson, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: “Giant Hogweed is widespread and the problems it can cause are certainly not insignificant.

“Children in particular are going to come across it and the general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant need to be aware of the risks.

“Giant Hogweed needs to be controlled and managed professionally.”

Giant Hogweed, along with the more widely known Japanese Knotweed, is increasingly coming under the spotlight of land and property professionals.

This is due in part to the reformed Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and associated Community Protection Notices, which could be issued to necessitate landowners to deal with Japanese Knotweed.

This could see fines of up to £20,000 imposed for companies failing to tackle the problem. Individuals would also be forced to comply too, or face a fine of up to £2,500.

Furthermore, as well as the ASBO legislation, new EU regulations have been introduced which could result in fines of thousands of pounds and prosecution if invasive plants such as these are not managed appropriately and in a timely fashion.

The regulations, which came into effect in January, will empower government agencies to issue Control Orders that necessitate the removal of high risk invasive weed species from specified areas, which could potentially include derelict sites, public land, construction sites and neighbouring properties.

The guidance note is one of seven new documents being produced this year by the PCA, which tackle a wide-range of issues relating to the invasive weed control sector.

They support a range of initiatives already in place, including a code of practice and an industry-recognised training programme for its professional members and those interested in the biology and control of the plant.


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Top First Aid Tips For Bites And Stings This Summer

This summer, most of us will venture outside to tackle the garden, take leisurely walks in the countryside or enjoy a family picnic. While it’s wonderful to get some sun and fresh air, don’t forget that you might be joined by some unexpected friends.

Like you, wasps, bees and other creepy crawlies are enjoying the great outdoors so here are some simple, easy-to-remember first aid tips from British Red Cross first aid expert Tracey Taylor for insect bites and stings.

Cakes, ice-creams and fizzy drinks can attract a variety of wildlife – especially bees and wasps. When it comes to stings, there are all sorts of myths and old wives tales about how to deals with them. Some say sucking out the bee sting will ease the pain, while others swear that pressing a penny on the sting does the trick – but what do the experts say? The British Red Cross advises sun-worshippers to keep a credit card handy.

“Usually a sting from a bee, wasp or hornet is painful rather than dangerous – you might feel a sharp pain followed by mild swelling, redness and soreness,” says Tracey Taylor, first aid expert at the British Red Cross.

“But don’t worry – if the insect sting is visible on the skin, brush or scrape the sting off sideways with the edge of a credit card or your fingernail. Do not use tweezers because you could squeeze the sting and inject more of the nasty poison. Be sure to reassure the casualty,” she adds.

“Once the sting has gone, apply a cold compress such as frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel to minimise swelling. If you can, also raise the affected part.”

Bee and wasps aren’t the only creatures to watch out for – flies, ants, caterpillars and even lady birds could be uninvited guests at your picnic or BBQ. “Treat other insect bites very much like stings,” says Tracey. “Most bites are unlikely to do much harm, but start by applying a cold compress and if you sport any signs of a reaction like a severe rash or swelling, seek medical advice.”

The British Red Cross has a free First aid app that you can download on all Apple and Android phones. It includes easy advice on how to deal with a range of emergencies – from broken bones or burns to heart attacks.

There is also a special addition for children and babies, so you know how to keep your little ones safe – just visit the Apple or Google app stores or go www.redcross.org.uk/app

See our article “First Aid Rapped Up” for more details.

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