Recent wet weather has allowed an invasive species of plant to thrive across Oxfordshire.

Japanese knotweed is native to East Asia and was introduced to the UK in the 1800s where it has since spread out of control. 

It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species, making it particularly harmful to the Oxfordshire countryside.

As we continue through a particular wet autumn having already battled floods and record rainfall in the county, the threat of the Japanese knotweed looms.

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The hotspots marked across Oxfordshire.The hotspots marked across Oxfordshire. (Image: Environet)

There have been well over 200 sightings across Oxfordshire according to new data collected by invasive plant specialists Environet.

Oxford alone had 174 reported occurrences while surrounding towns and villages were also affected with seven in Kidlington and five in Woodstock.

In West Oxfordshire, Burford had two reported occurrences, Witney had one, Carterton had two and there were three close to Chipping Norton.

Banbury had 17 occurrences that were reported while Bicester had 13 and Wantage came in with 18.

Between and including Didcot and Wallingford there were 16 reported instances while there were 14 occurrences in the area surrounding Abingdon.

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The plant is identified by "distinctive" red stems and bamboo-like appearance. It can grow up to 8ft tall and its roots can reach as wide as 28ft.

If Japanese knotweed is found on private land, the landowner must take the necessary steps to prevent its further growth as defined by the law.

Tackling its spread costs the UK nearly £250 million a year, according to Environet, with an estimated 5pc of homes affected across the UK.

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