The public is being asked to keep an eye open for a less than welcome member of the Islands flora.

Giant hogweed has colonised some parts of the Island.

The enormous weed has a poisonous sap which irritates skin and causes painful blisters.

Field Officer for the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Andrew Willoughby says the plant, which can grow up to twenty feet in height, is found mostly around water courses from Sulby Claddaghs northwards, but if spotted it should definitely NOT be strimmed down: Mr Willoughby says at this time of the year the best policy is to remove the seed head of the plant, but he warns full protective clothing must be worn.

Anyone who has the plant on their land is legally obliged to control it and advice on the control of giant hogweed can be obtained from DAFF on 842 335