Latest news with #JenniferHolmes
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Warning over dangers of giant hogweed to humans and pets
Giant hogweed can cause 'severe burns' that reappear for years and can 'even lead to blindness', specialists warn. This highly invasive plant, with its toxic sap that causes photosensitivity, is found along river paths or woodland and should be treated with 'extreme caution'. What is giant hogweed, and is it dangerous? Giant hogweed, also known by its Latin name Heracleum Mantegazzianum, originated in Southern Russia and Georgia. The plant is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes well-known vegetables and herbs like parsley, carrot, parsnip and coriander. Giant hogweed can be found in woodland (Image: Getty/DERO2084) Giant hogweed was introduced to Britain and Europe in the 19th century, from the Caucasus Mountains. The earliest documented reference to the plant has been traced back to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Seed List of 1817, where seeds of the plant were listed. The plant itself can reach over 10ft in height and, according to The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): "Most gardeners will want to eradicate it, as it is potentially invasive and the sap can cause severe skin burns." What does giant hogweed look like? The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant. Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk Leaves: the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy Flowers: the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on 'umbrella-like heads' that face upwards Seeds: the seeds are dry, flattened and in an oval shape, almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines Jennifer Holmes, from Environment Controls, said: 'This dramatic-looking plant, found along many a river path, or woodland walk, must be treated with extreme caution. 'Its toxic sap contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and is a danger to humans and pets. 'Its distinctive flower heads emerge in June - and can be easily mistaken for other plants such as Cow parsley (non-toxic), Hemlock or Hemlock water dropwort (both highly toxic). 'If you touch giant hogweed, you may not notice anything immediately as the effects may take up to 24 hours to emerge, but soon large blisters will form on skin and will recur when exposed to sunlight. Recommended Reading: 'As well as its harmful properties, as it colonises river banks this can make it difficult to eradicate - do not try to remove it yourself, always consult an expert.' What should you do if you have a reaction to giant hogweed? If you or your pet comes into contact with giant hogweed sap, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cold water. Crucially, keep the affected skin out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. Seek immediate medical attention if blisters develop, and particularly if sap gets into the eyes.
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Urgent warning issued over fears 'invasive plant' can cause severe burns and blindness
The plant was previously labeled UK's most dangerous plant. As temperatures continue to warm-up across Britain, more and more people are spending the majority of their time outdoors. However, according to experts, we should all be avoiding contact with this "dangerous" plant. Invasive weed specialists are now warning that even the slightest contact with giant hogweed can cause severe burns that reappear for years and can even lead to blindness. This highly invasive plant, with its toxic sap that causes photosensitivity, poses a severe risk to unsuspecting humans and pets. Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls said: 'This dramatic looking plant, found along many a river path, or woodland walk, must be treated with extreme caution. As mentioned above its toxic sap contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and is a danger to humans and pets. "Its distinctive flower heads emerge in June - and can be easily mistaken for other plants such as Cow parsley (non-toxic), Hemlock or Hemlock water dropwort (both highly toxic). 'If you touch Giant hogweed you may not notice anything immediately as the effects may take up to 24 hours to emerge, but soon large blisters will form on skin and will recur when exposed to sunlight. "As well as its harmful properties, as it colonises river banks this can make it difficult to eradicate - do not try to remove it yourself, always consult an expert.' Side effects of touching Giant hogweed Recurring Blisters Unlike typical burns, areas affected by Giant hogweed can re-blister each time they are exposed to sunlight, even years after the initial contact. Eye Damage & Blindness Direct contact with the sap in the eyes can cause severe irritation, temporary vision loss, and in extreme cases, permanent blindness. This poses a significant risk to curious children and pets. Delayed Reaction Symptoms may not appear for up to two days, giving unsuspecting individuals more time in the sun, exacerbating the damage. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a non-native invasive species listed on The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. It is an offence to plant or allow it to spread into the wild, as it aggressively takes over habitats. Landowners have a responsibility to prevent its spread, with potential legal consequences, including encroachment fines, if it affects neighbouring properties by allowing it to spread onto their land. How to spot Giant hogweed? Height A very tall biennial or perennial herbaceous plant, capable of growing over 10 feet. Flowers Large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads (up to 50cm wide) that resemble an oversized Cow parsley. Stem Thick, hollow, ridged stems that are green with distinctive purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Leaves Large, deeply lobed, and sharply toothed leaves, often reaching over a metre in width. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Jennifer added: "If you or your pet come into contact with Giant hogweed sap, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cold water. "Crucially, keep the affected skin out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. Seek immediate medical attention if blisters develop, and particularly if sap gets into the eyes. "Due to the persistent nature of its seeds and the highly toxic sap, professional removal is essential. "Environment Controls offers expert identification, safe removal, and disposal services, typically using specialist excavation methods to ensure the plant is completely eradicated and doesn't pose a recurring threat."
South Wales Argus
19-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
How to remove Japanese knotweed before you get an ASBO
Gardening is one of those tasks that we Brits love-hate, but ignoring Japanese Knotweed could result in 'severe legal consequences.' Experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd warn that allowing invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed to grow, could even pose a risk of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) or substantial fines. Can you get fined for Japanese knotweed? Ignoring even the slightest spread of this highly destructive weed, or failing to manage contaminated soil, could cost homeowners up to £5,000 in fines. Under reformed government legislation, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) – commonly known as an ASBO – can now be issued to individuals or organisations who fail to control Japanese knotweed, deeming such inaction as "unreasonable conduct" that negatively impacts the quality of life in a neighbourhood. Jennifer Holmes at Japanese Knotweed Ltd, said: 'One of the most asked questions we hear is; 'What damage can knotweed cause?' and knotweed takes advantage of any weaknesses in buildings, structures and underground infrastructure. 'If there's a tiny fracture or crack it'll grow through it - expanding that crack to cause potentially serious damage. 'We've seen concrete broken up, pipes smashed to pieces and even knotweed growing through cracks in walls to invade a kitchen - yes it grew through a crack in the wall and appeared inside a kitchen cupboard. 'It's super important to catch knotweed before it gets to this stage, often it's undetectable to an untrained eye - that's why calling in a specialist surveyor is your best defence.' What is a ASBO (CPN)? Failure to control Japanese knotweed can lead to a Community Protection Notice (CPN). A CPN could be used after a mandatory written warning has been served beforehand to inform people to take action. Breach of any requirement of a CPN, without reasonable excuse, would be a criminal offence, subject to a fixed penalty notice. On summary conviction, an individual would be liable to a fine of up to £2,500. Japanese Knotweed Ltd advises that you 'act fast' if you suspect you have knotweed in your garden – or if its even its coming through from an adjoining neighbour's garden. How to remove Japanese knotweed? Control methods, such as herbicide management plans or excavation, should be implemented promptly to prevent further spread and avoid legal issues. Japanese Knotweed Ltd specialises in the identification, treatment, and offers professional legal guidance concerning Japanese knotweed. UK landowners can also apply for Land Remediation Relief on works carried out - which is a valuable tax relief giving back thousands. Recommended reading: What is Japanese knotweed The invasive plant is relentlessly durable, fast-growing and can cause damage to nearby structures. Japanese knotweed is most visible during the summer months, particularly in late summer and early autumn when it flowers. However, it's also identifiable in other seasons, with distinct characteristics in spring and winter.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Wimbledon fan ditched cream for Garlic & Herb Dip on their strawberries
A Wimbledon fan was spotted causing a stir at the London tournament - by ditching classic cream for Garlic & Herb Dip on their strawberries. The bold tennis enthusiast turned heads in the Wimbledon queue - by dipping the much-loved strawberries into a tub of Domino's dip. Clara Jennings, 29, from Guildford, confused fellow spectators as she tucked into the unusual combo while lining up to get into the global tennis tournament. She said: 'Everyone does cream - I wanted something different. Sweet, savoury, and a little bit weird… but it works! 'I brought it as a bit of a laugh, but honestly, people loved it. I think I've started something.' (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep) Reactions ranged from horrified to curious, with some even asking for a taste. One fellow tennis fan said: "I had to double take when I saw it, but I think it's pretty gross. 'Strawberries and cream are a match made in heaven - this dip should be reserved for pizza, and only pizza.' But Jennifer Holmes, from London disagreed, saying: "I'm all for the sweet and savoury mix - someone has to start the trend, take peanut butter and jelly for example, that started with confusion but then went on to take the world by storm." Wimbledon is reported to get through more than 1.9 million strawberries every year, as fans flock from around the globe for the beloved snack. This equates to a staggering 200,000 portions enjoyed each year during the Championships. They're drizzled in more than 7,000 litres of cream, although that number may drop slightly, if the bizarre Garlic & Herb Dip trend catches on. The price for a portion of strawberries and cream has remained the same since 2010 - at just £2.50 for a serving. One thing that has changed in recent years, is a plant-based cream for vegans, made available at certain outlets around the facility. A spokesperson for Domino's, said: 'When this popped up on our Instagram, it was the first time we've seen someone enjoying our dip with strawberries! 'How people enjoy our Garlic & Herb Dip is up to them - after all, lots of strange combinations were only strange until someone tried them. 'Perhaps next year we'll see raspberries dipped into BBQ Sauce, or bananas drizzled with Honey and Mustard. 'Brits are renowned for their sense of individualism, and there's nothing more British than Wimbledon, so keep your eyes peeled.'
North Wales Live
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Wimbledon fan swaps traditional strawberries and cream for Domino's dip, sparking debate
A Wimbledon spectator sparked a lively debate at the prestigious London tournament by forgoing the traditional cream with their strawberries in favour of Domino's Garlic and Herb Dip instead. The tennis fan caused quite a stir in the Wimbledon queue, boldly dipping the cherished strawberries into a pot of Domino's dip. Clara Jennings, 29, from Guildford, turned heads among fellow spectators as she tucked into her unusual snack while waiting to enter the globally renowned tennis event. Defending her unconventional choice, she explained: "Everyone does cream - I wanted something different. Sweet, savoury, and a little bit weird... but it works!" "I brought it as a bit of a laugh, but honestly, people loved it. I think I've started something." Her unique combination elicited various responses from onlookers. One tennis fan remarked: "I had to double take when I saw it, but I think it's pretty gross. Strawberries and cream are a match made in heaven - this dip should be reserved for pizza, and only pizza." Yet others were curious enough to give it a go. Jennifer Holmes, hailing from London, said: "I'm all for the sweet and savoury mix. Someone has to start the trend. "Take peanut butter and jelly for example, that started with confusion but then went on to take the world by storm." At Wimbledon, it is estimated that fans consume over 1.9 million strawberries each year, which translates to a staggering 200,000 servings enjoyed throughout the Championships. Yet Wimbledon's classic strawberries and cream could be facing fierce competition from this new unexpected contender: strawberries paired with Garlic and Herb Dip, sparking a quirky new trend. The unconventional combination could potentially put a dent in the 7,000 litres of cream traditionally used to accompany the strawberries. Notably, the price of a serving of strawberries and cream has remained a steady £2.50 since 2010, making it a sweet deal for tennis fans. However, in recent years, Wimbledon has introduced a plant-based cream option for vegan spectators, available at select outlets around the grounds. A spokesperson for Domino's, said: "When this popped up on our Instagram, it was the first time we've seen someone enjoying our dip with strawberries! "How people enjoy our Garlic and Herb Dip is up to them - after all, lots of strange combinations were only strange until someone tried them. "Perhaps next year we'll see raspberries dipped into BBQ Sauce, or bananas drizzled with Honey and Mustard. Brits are renowned for their sense of individualism, and there's nothing more British than Wimbledon, so keep your eyes peeled."
