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<p>Japanese knotweed was first introduced into the UK in the early 19th century and
is now widespread here and throughout most of Europe. It is not considered feasible
to eradicate Japanese knotweed entirely from the UK but, with persistence, isolated
populations can be eradicated. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 to plant or otherwise cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.</p><p>
</p><p>Defra continues to fund a biocontrol programme through the release of a psyllid
insect to tackle Japanese knotweed. If successful, the psyllid will not eradicate
Japanese knotweed but should in time reduce its invasive capacity as well as the effort
and cost of managing it. This year, around 120,000 psyllids will be released at 16
sites in England and Wales using new methods designed to improve the likelihood that
the psyllid will establish in the wild.</p><p> </p><p>Local Action Groups, with support
from government, are actively involved in reducing and eradicating Japanese knotweed.
For example, the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project and the Medway Valley Countryside
Partnership have controlled Japanese knotweed on 49 separate sites this year. A new
EU co-funded project, totalling €1.1 million, will develop a regional approach to
tackling invasive non-native species, supporting Local Action Groups in a co-ordinated
approach.</p><p> </p><p>Natural England and the Environment Agency also undertake
action nationally to remove Japanese knotweed where it is affecting protected sites,
water quality or adds to the risk of flooding.</p><p> </p><p>Community protection
notices made under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 are also
being used by local authorities and the Police to tackle the impact to their communities
of invasive non-native species including Japanese knotweed. The Home Office guidance
on using community protection notices to tackle invasive non-native plants can be
found at:</p><p><a href="http://www.nonnativespecies.org/downloadDocument.cfm?id=1176"
target="_blank">www.nonnativespecies.org//downloadDocument.cfm?id=1176</a></p>
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