Giant Hogweed, an invasive non-native species, has been in the news this week after two boys were hospitalised after coming into contact with the plant.

Giant hogweed is similar to our native hogweed species but much larger, growing up to 5 metres tall. It is native to central Asia and produces toxic sap that can cause severe skin blistering that can persist for a long time. Click here for more details of the original news story. More information on Giant Hogweed can be found on the Non Native Species Secretariat website.

Have you seen Giant Hogweed in Essex? If you have please report the sighting (login required), or send a photo to records@essexwt.org.uk.