Is Japanese knotweed notifiable UK?

Is Japanese knotweed notifiable UK?

Japanese knotweed is not a notifiable plant. Unlike some other invasive plants which require immediate action on the part of the landowner, the government does not have to be informed about the infestation, nor to your neighbours.

Do I legally have to remove Japanese knotweed?

There is no legal obligation to remove or treat knotweed as long as you’re not encouraging or allowing the growth on to adjacent land. As of schedule 9 of the ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981’, you must not plant or cause to grow Japanese Knotweed in the wild.

Is Japanese knotweed protected?

You must prevent Japanese knotweed on your land spreading into the wild. You do not have to remove Japanese knotweed from your land, but you could be prosecuted or given a community protection notice for causing a nuisance if you allow it to spread onto anyone else’s property.

Is Japanese knotweed a criminal Offence?

So, in short, it is NOT a criminal offence to have Japanese knotweed on your property, but it is an offence to allow it to spread if you have knowledge of an infestation or if you sell a property with knowledge of an infestation.

Is it illegal to sell a house with Japanese knotweed?

Can you sell a property with Japanese knotweed? You can sell a property with Japanese knotweed, however, you may need to take some extra measures to ensure that potential buyers feel comfortable purchasing the house and confident that they will be able to secure a mortgage from their bank.

Do surveyors look for Japanese knotweed?

Surveyors have a duty of care to both the homebuyer and the lender to identify Japanese knotweed during a survey, even if the seller has attempted to hide it.

Is it illegal to grow Japanese knotweed in the UK?

Japanese knotweed is covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is listed under Schedule 9 of the Act and Section 14 of the Act states that it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause the species to grow in the wild.

How is Japanese knotweed classified as an invasive species?

Japanese Knotweed is classified as an invasive species it is therefore the responsibility of the land owner to prevent the plant spreading to neighbouring land (or into the wild), and removal of plant must be conducted with due care and attention.

Do you need to report Japanese knotweed to the NNSS?

There are no regulations stating that you need to notify anyone Japanese Knotweed is growing on your land. However reporting the growth of the plant to the Non-native Species Secretariat website (NNSS) does help with getting a handle on how quickly it’s spreading across the country.

Where can I dispose of Japanese knotweed waste?

Waste containing any part of a schedule 9 plant that could facilitate the spread of the species is classified as controlled waste and should be disposed of at a suitable waste facility, accompanied by appropriate Waste Transfer documentation!