Japanese Knotweed – Be aware.



A particularly nasty weed and difficult to destroy.
When looking for this weed the temptation is to look down but it may already be towering above you.

This is an extract from the RHS website.

Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a weed that spreads rapidly. In winter the plant dies back to ground level but by early summer the bamboo-like stems emerge from rhizomes deep underground to shoot to over 2.1m (7ft), suppressing all other plant growth. Eradication requires determination as it is very hard to remove by hand or eradicate with chemicals. New legislation now covers its control The legal situation Buying and selling property Since 2013, the seller is required to state whether Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is present on their property through a TA6 form – the property information form used for conveyancing. Your conveyancer or solicitor will be able to provide full legal advice, however, here is a summary:

◾If you are selling, it is your responsibility to check the garden for Japanese knotweed (bearing in mind that it can die back in winter). The TA6 form asks you to confirm whether your property is affected by Japanese knotweed and, where it is, to provide a management plan for its eradication from a professional company (see Seeking Help from the Professionals below)

◾If you are buying, the presence of Japanese knotweed will be stated in the responses to the TA6 form. This often results in your mortgage lender requiring assurances that it will be eradicated before agreeing the funds. A management plan by a professional eradication company, backed by a transferable guarantee, is usually sufficient. It is most common for this plan to be provided by the seller before the purchase is completed

◾Whether a buyer or seller, it is also worth being pro-active and checking the property for Japanese knotweed. Disputes over the identity of a plant, the failure to disclose its presence, or the lack of a management plan can result in delays, increased costs later in the buying process, or even a possible misrepresentation claim after the sale, so this approach will help avoid problems

AGM



The Society is to hold its Annual General Meeting at St Ann’s Schoolroom Radipole at 1930 hrs on Wednesday the 24th April 2019.

All are welcome to attend and there will be light refreshments served following the formal part of the evening and time for a general forum.

Nottington Weir Easter 2019



Nottington Weir looking at its best this Easter with plenty of water flow through the fish pass.
Please report to your River Watch Officer any fish sightings as current reports are somewhat disappointing.