Families using Greg’s Meadow in Spixworth have been advised to keep their distance from part of a picnic area.
A warning notice went up earlier this summer (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) It was after the discovery of Japanese knotweed, a plant native to East Asia which has spread out of control since being introduced to the UK in the 1800s.
Japanese knotweed (Image: PA) An area of the picnic area on the meadow has been fenced off for the past few weeks to try and keep people away.
Part of the meadow was fenced off (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Work has since started to clear the area of the invasive species.
Work is underway to clear the knotweed (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Matthew Field, vice chairman of Spixworth Parish Council said: “The course of action the council agreed with a local grounds maintenance contractor is fully under way and already producing positive results and progress.
Work to clear the knotweed has started (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) “Action will continue to ensure eradication of the knotweed problem.”
The work is taking place after warning notices appeared in the meadow earlier this year.
Greg’s Meadow, Spixworth (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Japanese knotweed is identified by distinctive red stems and bamboo-like appearance.
It can grow up to 8ft tall and its roots can reach as wide as 28ft.
Work is underway to clear the knotweed (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species, making it particularly harmful to the flora of the Norfolk Broads.
Tackling its spread costs the UK nearly £250 million a year, according to invasive plant specialists Environet, with an estimated 5pc of homes affected across the UK.
It can crack tarmac, block drains, undermine foundations and invade homes. Its presence can be enough to cut a property’s value or prevent a mortgage lender approving a loan.