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What is Cornwall Council doing about Japanese knotweed

Last updated: 01/10/2009 Add to My Bookmarks

JK in the summertime

Cornwall Council is a major partner of the Cornwall Knotweed Forum for Cornwall and is committed to preventing the spread of Japanese Knotweed. Responsibility for controlling Japanese Knotweed rests with the Landowner or occupier of the land. Where it is found on land within the Council's control the Council will take appropriate action to minimise the risk of spread and where appropriate endeavour to eradicate it in line with current good practice and the priorities set out by the Forum.

The Council is committed to controlling the spread of Japanese knotweed and commissioned CABI Europe to undertake a research project on behalf of national stakeholders. The project began in 2003, since when the project partners have committed over half a million pounds to researching and developing options for the natural control of Japanese knotweed. The project aims to establish whether natural control is a feasible method for the long-term, sustainable management of Japanese knotweed and its hybrids in the UK. Cornwall Council is responsible for the co-ordination of the project (on behalf of all partners). The project is entering the final stages of research and has identified two potential options, the Aphalara psyllid and a Leafspot fungus for the natural control of Japanese knotweed. It is hoped that there will be a launch event during 2009 to officially release the project findings. For further information please visit the CABI project website (opens in a new browser window).

Financial assistance

There are currently no funds available to grant aid the control of Japanese Knotweed although its control is funded through aid to some larger projects. Successful control will often be only possible where adjoining landowners co-operate and tackle the problem together. To this end Forum members intend to control the spread of knotweed on their land and co-operate with their neighbours where resources allow. Because of the resource implications, however priorities will have to be made.

What can I do to help?

Report sightings

Help the Forum to monitor the distribution of Japanese knotweed in Cornwall by informing them of occurrences.  To report Japanese knotweed visit our interactive knotweed mapping site which identifies sites that have already been reported. You can use the map to report further sightings of knotweed by using the map to find the location and follow the on-screen instructions.  Alternatively, use our electronic knotweed reporting form or download a pdf version of the form (opens in a new browser window) and post to:

Environment and Heritage
Cornwall Council
St Clement Building
Old County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro
TR1 3AY

Co-operate with neighbours

Co-operate with affected neighbours to control or eradicate Japanese Knotweed on your land.


© Cornwall Knotweed Forum.

The information on this page has been compiled by the Cornwall Knotweed Forum from information provided by its members and partners. It is provided in good faith to the raise awareness of the issues and to promote best practice in the control of Japanese knotweed. The information may be used freely for private and educational purposes but may not be copied for commercial use. We update information and advice on a regular basis. However the Cornwall Knotweed Forum, or any of its constituent members cannot be held responsible for the efficacy of the treatments described, or any damage to persons, property or the environment that arises from interpretation of the advice given.

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