Japanese knotweed course developed to support local authority professionals
National trade body The Property Care Association has developed a new training programme designed to help local authorities take control of Japanese knotweed and other invasive weeds.
Blending interactive study with workshop elements, the course is being led by two experts in the field, Professor Max Wade and Sean Hathaway.
Professor Wade, chair of the Property Care Association (PCA) Invasive Weed Control Group, has more than 20 years professional ecological experience and has written a range of manuals and guidance notes on invasive weeds. He also advises government on alien invasive species management.
He is joined by Sean Hathaway, an Environment Officer within the Planning Department of the City and County of Swansea and one of the first Japanese knotweed officers to operate in the UK.
Together they will deliver a programme that is designed to help delegates within local authorities forge strategies and tactics to better manage the challenges posed by the incidence of invasive weeds.
The day will include details of the duties of local authorities with respect to invasive non-native weeds, give an insight into government and EU strategy and biosecurity, and help delegates develop the knowledge to enable them to respond to public concern.
Attracting support, instigating a biosecurity strategy and the development of a targeted action plan are also covered.
The course takes place at AECOM, in the Colmore Plaza, Birmingham on 8 December.
Spaces are limited to 12 delegates only, so prompt booking is advised.
More details can be found at (https://www.property-care.org/2015-events/local-authorities-invasive-non-native-plant-species/ ) or by emailing [email protected]
Professor Wade said: “The aim of the day is to provide Local Authorities with guidance on how to respond to the growing challenge of invasive non-native weeds to both meet the environmental challenge and achieve a cost effective/neutral response.
“The outcomes will be focused, realistic and targeted at key aspects of invasive non-native species weed management and will deal with the broad biosecurity approach promoted by our governments as well as the issues associated with Japanese knotweed.”
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Notes To Editors
Noted for its training and technical expertise, the PCA incorporates the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), which has been in formation for 85 years.
The trade body represents the UK’s structural repair sector, as well as the structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp-proofing, flood remediation and invasive weed control industries.
In 2012 the PCA, which represents specialists solving problems affecting buildings, worked with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and The Building Societies Association – together with Japanese knotweed control companies that currently operate within the UK, to set up the Invasive Weed Control Group.
Press release issued by Jane Shepherd of Shepherd PR Limited, 01538 308685, mobile 07985 129315.