The Department of Agriculture is appealing to members of the public to seek advice before attempting to treat Japanese knotweed.

The plant, which is the most invasive in the British Isles, is once again appearing throughout the Island in particular alongside streams and rivers.

DAFF says the help of private landowners and tenants is essential if the weed is to be brought under control, and eradication from length of stream requires even small patches to be removed from further upstream or it will re-colonise.

Japanese knotweed can rapidly form dense stands, shading out the Island's native vegetation, growing through up to a metre of concrete or tarmac and damaging buildings.

Its spread has been mapped by the Department for many years.

Anyone requiring advice should contact Andrew Willoughby on 842 335