Latest hotspots of Japanese Knotweed in Oldham revealed

Japanese Knotweed can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species. 

The plant is identified by its red stems and bamboo-like appearance and is capable of growing up to 8ft tall, while its roots can reach as wide as 28ft.

Data from Environet shows which areas of the borough are currently seeing the most growth of the species.

Japanese Knotweed is on the rise following a wet and warm February (Image: Property Care Association)

The area with the most cases was south-east of the town centre, where 83 occurrences were recorded within a four kilometre radius.

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Another 62 cases were recorded north of the town centre, while there were 40 cases in the Royton and Shaw area and 50 cases in the south of the borough, close to the border with Tameside.

As for Saddleworth, there were 19 occurrences in the northern part of the area, while there were 13 in the southern part.

Dozens of cases have been recorded in some areas of the borough (Image: Environet)

Daniel Docking, Property Care Association invasive weed control group technical manager, said: “We can still expect late season frosts and dry weather in March and April, but Japanese Knotweed has already started to establish itself and the resilience of the plant will mean it is in a strong position to thrive.

“At the moment many plants are doing well due to the weather conditions, including native species.

“But we’d still suspect the temperature to drop, meaning many plants will slow down their growth pattern.

“However, Japanese Knotweed will be largely unaffected by these changes and that means it can start to dominate environments, with more opportunities to spread.”