Families using Greg’s Meadow in Spixworth have been advised to keep their distance from part of a picnic area.
An area of Greg’s Meadow in Spixworth has been fenced off (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) This came 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 months to try and keep people away.
An area of Greg’s Meadow in Spixworth has been fenced off (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) But the work to clear the area, which has already started, could take some time to complete.
Mark Knight, chairman of Spixworth Parish Council, said; “We have put up appropriate fencing around the knotweed and this will be the start of a two-year treatment cycle for it, which has been recommended to us by a specialist.”
Part of Greg’s Meadow has been fenced off (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) The work is taking place after warning notices appeared in the meadow earlier this year.
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.
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.