Toxic plant giant hogweed gets treated in Culloden as public urged to look out for it
Volunteers and workers have been making the most of the glorious weather to treat an invasive species.
Giant hogweed was found growing at Culloden, and members of Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) spent time spraying chemicals near the academy on Saturday 10.
The plant produces a phototoxic sap, which in the presence of sunlight will cause serious skin burns.
This makes walking anywhere that giant hogweed is growing extremely hazardous and as such it blocks paths and prevents access for recreation.
It was introduced into gardens as a curiosity around 1820 and was deliberately planted by rivers and ponds.
Trudi Clarke, project officer for SISI said: “It can cause serious chemical burns. Even the hairs on the leaves and stalks can cause a painful rash.
“It would also be great if people could report sightings of it. Once we know where it is, we can treat it: for such an enormous plant it is amazing how well it hides amongst trees and bushes!”
Volunteers Summer and Gallia also spent time spraying the hogweed, with pet and aquatic safe chemicals.
The team also picked up two bags of litter during the visit.
Trudi added: “We will go back for another session in a week. Some of the patches were so big we need the outer plants to die back so we can reach the rest.”
