Trade body develops Japanese knotweed course for surveyors

The ‘Invasive Plant Identification Course’ gives a comprehensive overview of the key issues surrounding certain plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Trade body develops Japanese knotweed course for surveyors

Trade body the Property Care Association has developed a specialist training course to support property professionals in the identification of Japanese knotweed and other invasive species.

The ‘Invasive Plant Identification Course’ gives a comprehensive overview of the key issues surrounding certain plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Growth stages, biosecurity, ecology, habitat and UK distribution are some of the areas covered by the one-day programme.

Participants are also able to see live non-native invasive specimens, which are being cultivated under stringent conditions in a specially created greenhouse environment on the PCA’s site.

The list of non-native species in the course include American skunk cabbage, rhododendron, giant rhubarb, creepers, buddleia, hottentot fig, yellow azalea, giant hogweed, few flowered leek, three cornered garlic and bamboo.

The first course takes place at the PCA’s training centre in Huntingdon on Thursday August 1.

The cost is £295 plus VAT for PCA members, and £345 plus VAT for those not in membership of the association.