‘New generation’ invasive weeds in the spotlight at trade body conference

Traditional invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed, as well as a new generation of non-native species including aquatic plants, are all on the radar at the annual International Invasive Weed Conference, organised by the Property Care Association.

The event 'Management, Understanding and a Look to the Future' takes place at the Møller Centre, University of Cambridge, on 23 November.

Addressing three key themes - the management and understanding of invasive weeds and a look to the future - the day features a unique mix of discussion and insight from academia and different sectors including ecology, utilities and transport, as well as governmental and public bodies.

Those taking part include Dr Ken Thompson of the University of Sheffield, Dr Maria do Rosario Fernandes of the University of Lisbon and Dr Uwe Starfinger, Julius Kühn Institute, Germany.

Philip Santo FRICS, of Philip Santo & Co, will give an overview of current legal issues from a surveying perspective, while representatives from organisations including the Environment Agency, Defra, Monsanto, CABI, South West Water and Network Rail are taking part as guest speakers or as panellists for the question and answer session.

In line with the valued content provided at the event, delegates will be entitled to six BASIS points.

The International Invasive Weed Conference has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2015 and spaces are already limited for this year's event.

Booking details and an outline of the full conference programme can be viewed at www.property-care.org/conferences/invasive-weed-conference-2017/

Professor Max Wade, chairman of the PCA's Invasive Weed Control Group, said: "The conference is gaining increasing recognition across a wide variety of sectors as an essential event to come to in order to keep up-to-date with, and discuss, invasive plants and their far-reaching impact.

"This year is no exception, with an outstanding programme of appeal to a diverse audience."

The PCA Invasive Weed Control Group has recently produced a video regarding the challenges for landowners in tackling invasive weeds, which is available to view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuHzVzgyV_E