Out of all the plants in the UK, the Giant Hogweed is one plant that I would recommend knowing about. Why – to keep well away from it.
Not to be confused with Common Hogweed, the Giant Hogweed is a plant that was introduced in the 19th Century as an ornimental but is not native to the UK. Since then it has spead and although there is no requirements to report it, you should check with the local council if you spot it.
So why keep away? The plants sap burns skin and makes it photo sensitive (phytophotodermatitis). Cases have been from slight to severe burns and once burnt by the sap you cant expose that area of skin to sunlight as it will burn again. Effects can last for 7 years.
More Facts on the Giant Hogweed https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/06/giant-hogweed-facts/
Where is Giant Hogweed in the UK? https://www.planttracker.org.uk/map/giant-hogweed
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracleum_mantegazzianum
Sparrowhawk Bushcraft 