FOI request (FOIR-683572620)

Japanese Knotweed spread and treatment on public open space

Requested Fri 31 January 2025
Responded Wed 05 February 2025

The public open space at Sandrock Bends, owned by Hastings Borough Council, has an infestation of Japanese Knotweed. I regularly walk at Sandrock Bends with children and my dogs. Last year I noticed that Japanese Knotweed vegetation had begun to dieback unnaturally. The assumption would be that herbicide had been applied.

I would like to know who has been contracted to treat the Japanese knotweed.

What herbicide has been used?

I would like to see a copy of relevant permits and permissions for using a herbicide in an open access area.

What mitigations have been put in place to prevent the spread of knotweed to properties nearby when mowers and heavy machinery are accessing this area?

Response

The Japanese Knotweed growing at Sandrock is included in the council's annual spraying program, which is undertaken by the council's in-house grounds maintenance team.

Japanese Knotweed, which has been noted growing on council owned land, is sprayed 3 times a year and remains on the spraying program until eradication.

Japanese Knotweed is sprayed with Gallup, which contains glyphosate. Staff who undertake the spraying are PA1 and PA6 certified.