Southend Japanese knotweed hotspots and sightings listed

Data collected by invasive plant experts Environet shows hotspots for the notorious plant, which earned a reputation as a pest in the UK after its introduction in the 19th century as ornamental plant.

The tenacious plant starts growing in spring, with purple specks and bamboo like stems which can cause structural damage and outcompete native flora. 

Spread – The map shows the densest areas for the problem plant (Image: Environet)

Japanese Knotweed can even impact an area’s property prices due to the damage it causes and how quickly it can spread, being hard to get rid of due to its deep and dense network of roots it forms which sustain it throughout the winter.

Knotweed is a growing problem in the UK, being one of the most prolific invasive species which can grow up to ten-centimetres-a-day in the summer; with Government advice instructing that if you find it in your garden you must stop it spreading to prevent ecological and soil damage.

There are currently 459 sightings across Essex, here is a breakdown of sightings in ad around Southend within five square miles list:

Leigh – 73 sightings

Westcliff – 73 sightings

Rochford – 68 sightings

Southend – 64 sightings

Hadleigh – 63 sightings

Rayleigh – 63 sightings

Hockley and Hawkwell – 61sightings

Shoebury – 51 sightings

Benfleet – 33 sightings