Inverness parents are ‘concerned’ as dangerous giant hogweed plant invades residential area
Many Cradlehall and Westhill residents have raised their concerns after spotting a highly dangerous giant hogweed plant via their school route.
Giant hogweed is a highly dangerous plant as the sap is toxic and can cause significant blistering and scarring of the skin.
The toxic plant originates from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia. It is now classed as an invasive species and can be found throughout much of the UK, especially colonising river banks where its seeds are transported by the water.
It was confirmed by a local Inverness ecologist that the suspicious plant beside Caulfield Road in Inverness was in fact a giant hogweed.
One ‘concerned’ mum from the area, Catriona Wheelan said: “We saw that there may be giant hogweed on a path near our house, and we were concerned as our children, and many others walk this path daily to school.
“Obviously we were concerned about the potential risk to children and pets. Our neighbour, Matt, is an ecologist and tree specialist, so we asked him to have a look and he was able to confirm that it was giant hogweed and treat it quickly.
“Hopefully this will raise awareness of how to identify giant hogweed and ensure prompt treatment to prevent spread.”
Ecologist, Matt Hamsworth, from Inverness, is a specialist in this area and took care of the issue as it is not the responsibility of the Highland Council.
He said: “I live near the site and run a nationwide tree and ecology consultancy. We help people get their planning back on track by providing tree and ecology surveys.
“When this was notified to me through Facebook, I treated the plant off my own back. We are professionals with the relevant NPTC certificates and insurance so it seemed the best course of action to treat the plant before it flowers (and thus spreads).
“There is the potential for children in particular to be badly burned by the sap if the stems are broken and as this area is a popular school route, this was the best course of action.
“The land is not the responsibility of the Highland Council and is factored as part of the adjacent housing scheme.”
Councillor Ken Gowans also noticed the plant growth and said: “The land is owned by Tulloch and while it is not our responsibility to deal with it, I have asked officers to contact Tulloch to ask them act responsibly and in the interests of the community by irradiating this plant from a public area.”
