Presence of invasive and injurious plant species on site

Invasive non-native species

Invasive non-native species can be harmful to the environment. The law states that “You must not plant in the wild, or cause to grow in the wild, invasive non-native plants. This can include moving contaminated soil or plant cuttings”. Species such as Japanese knotweed can spread rapidly and cause costly damage to infrastructure. Invasive plants must be appropriately treated and disposed of using methods that do not endanger human health or the environment. More information can be found at the Gov.uk website.

Injurious weeds

All authorities, have a statutory duty to act on harmful or noxious weeds under the 1959 Weed Control Act. Some harmful weeds can be poisonous to animals or damage crops when they spread. Where they are likely to cause issues for adjacent land, harmful weeds should be removed prior to adoption. 

However, classified harmful weeds can also be native to the UK and contribute to biodiversity. Ragwort for example supports many insect species and becomes an issue only where the spread to livestock grazing land is likely. It should be ensured that species are properly identified before taking action to remove plant species.

Harmful weeds are identified as being:

  • common ragwort
  • spear thistle
  • broad-leaved dock
  • curled dock
  • creeping field thistle

Additional guidance on the prevention of injurious weeds from spreading can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Site adoption and invasive or injurious species

LCC will not adopt sites that contain invasive weeds; nor will sites be adopted where injurious species are present where they are likely to cause problems. Evidence of completion of suitable treatment work will be required prior to adoption. Where regrowth of such plants following adoption is thought to result from ineffective treatment during the construction phase it will be the responsibility of the developer carry out any remedial work.

Biosecurity

The Arboricultural Association’s Guidance Note 2 Application of Biosecurity in Arboriculture provides information on how to help prevent a pest or pathogen (e.g. bacteria or fungi) outbreak which could accelerate mortality and lead to the loss of large numbers of trees.

Detailed information regarding current best practice can be found in the Value of Trees Toolkit and through Trees & Design Action Group. The two most contemporary and comprehensive documents published are:

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