Giant Hogweed Control

We are into the second year of our Giant Hogweed project on the upper River Ayr. Spraying is well underway, and by mid June will be complete upstream of Stair Bridge. Early indications are that there is a significant reduction in mature plants since this time last year.

The aim is to prevent plants reaching maturity (4-5 years old) when they can produce up to 5000 seeds per plant. Once the plant flowers, it dies.

Following this round of spraying we will assess the overall effectiveness of the control measures and hopefully if progress has been worthwhile, we will secure funding to allow us to control the plant on the whole river for several years to come. Maintaining the effort over many years is the only way to eradicate this plant from the catchment.

If you see plants that are flowering upstream of Stair Bridge this year, please take the time to contact us so that we can arrange for their removal before seeds develop. There is a reporting facility on the Invasive Weeds Project page or alternatively call Stuart or Brian at the office.