National
trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has developed specialist
training 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.

Included
in the list of non-native species covered by the programme are plants
including, but not limited to;

• American
  Skunk Cabbage
• Rhododendron
• Giant
  Rhubarb
• Creepers
• Buddleia
• Hottentot
  Fig
• Yellow
  Azalea
• Giant
  Hogweed
• Few
  Flowered Leek
• Three
  Cornered Garlic
• 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.

More
information and booking details can be found at www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/training-courses/invasive-plant-identification/

All
those taking part also receive a free copy of both ‘Practical Management of
Invasive Non-Native Weeds in Britain and Ireland’ and the ‘Field Guide to
Invasive Plants and Animals In Britain.’