A DANGEROUS plant has been spotted in a ‘beautiful nature space’ in Warrington.
Giant Hogweed has been identified amongst the shrubbery at Spittle Brook in Woolston.
The plant, which originates from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia, is an invasive species that grows on riverbanks throughout the country.
A resident took to social media to warn others of the sighting of the poisonous plant, which if it sap comes into contact with the skin, can cause blistering and burns.
The resident said: “Giant hogweed in Spital Brook, between the wooden bridge and Manchester Road. Warrington Borough Council informed.”
The plants sap causes burns to the skin as it contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, according to the Woodland Trust.
Information from a spokesperson at the Woodland Trust stated: “If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly. Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity.
“The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin.
“Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin.”
Advice on what to do if you come into contact with the plant is to ‘wash the area thoroughly and immediately’ and seek medical advice.
Warrington Borough Council encourages residents to report any sightings of the plant so that a treatment programme can be put in place in the areas where it grows.
For more details on this, visit warrington.gov.uk/grass-cutting-and-dangerous-weeds
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