Code of Practice launched for Japanese Knotweed

The Property Care Association (PCA) has developed a best practice framework for the control and eradication of Japanese Knotweed.

The PCA developed the framework in conjunction with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, Building Societies Association and several Japanese Knotweed control companies that operate in the UK.

Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive Office of the PCA, said: “Publication of the code sets a new standard for an industry where stories of poor practice abound.

“Ultimately it will, together with the reassurance of PCA membership, offer further assistance to consumers who want to separate those who can control Japanese Knotweed from those who think they can.

“This is the first time that a protocol for the investigation, reporting and treatment of this highly invasive and economically important pest plant has been written and adopted by those who are ultimately responsible for its control.”

The PCA say that the code sets a practical and robust standard for those involved in the control of Japanese Knotweed to aspire to.

The document will be officially launched at the PCA’s Annual Conference, taking place at The National Space Centre in Leicester on Thursday 25 April.

Mark Fennell, Senior Consultant Ecologist, who has been instrumental in drafting the new Code, will introduce the document at the annual conference.

The launch will coincide with a Speaker Programme, featuring guests including Bruce Osborne, Senior Lecturer at University College Dublin and President of the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB).

The PCA’s Speaker Programme is free of charge to all PCA members and £25+VAT for non-members. For those participating in the CPD scheme, each short seminar is worth two CPD points and there are eight points available for the whole programme.

Early booking is recommended as places are limited. For further information contact sue@property-care.org or call 0844 375 4301.

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