Oct

Trade body sets international agenda for invasive weed control event

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Leading experts from across Europe will be sharing best practice at the annual International Invasive Weed Conference, organised by the Property Care Association.

A key event for a wide range of professions looking for the latest insight into invasive non-native weeds. The event ‘Management, Understanding and a Look to the Future’ takes place at the Møller Centre, University of Cambridge, on 23 November.

Focusing around three key themes – the management and understanding of invasive weeds, as well as a look to the future – the conference sets out to provide a comprehensive picture of the current and future issues relating to invasive weed control.

The day features a unique mix of discussion and insight from academia and different sectors including ecology, utilities and transport, as well as governmental and public bodies.

The meeting will address traditional invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed and also investigate a new generation of non-native species which are becoming of increasing significance across the public and private sector, including aquatic plants.

It will draw on the experiences of academia, including Dr Ken Thompson of the University of Sheffield, Dr Maria do Rosario Fernandes of the University of Lisbon and Dr Uwe Starfinger, Julius Kühn Institute, Germany.

Philip Santo FRICS, of Philip Santo & Co, will provide an update on legal issues from a surveying perspective, while representatives from organisations including the Environment Agency, Defra, Monsanto, CABI, South West Water and Network Rail will also take part as guest speakers and as panellists for the question and answer session.

Professor Max Wade, chairman of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group, said: “The impacts of invasive plants are wide-ranging, posing risks to the environment, water industry and transport infrastructure, and even public health.

“They are growing in number and the legislation surrounding their control is becoming more complicated.

“In line with their far reaching impact, the conference has been developed to provide industry-leading insight which covers a broad subject area, and is of appeal to a wide-ranging audience.”

The full conference programme can be viewed at www.property-care.org/conferences/invasive-weed-conference-2017/

This online area also includes a link to a video giving a flavour of the event, filmed at last year’s conference.

A further video regarding the challenges for landowners in tackling invasive weeds is also available to view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuHzVzgyV_E

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 more than 85 years.

The trade body represents the UK’s flood protection sector as well as the structural repair, structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp-proofing and invasive weed control industries.

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