£2,500 Fine for growing Japanese Knotweed

Hahaha - yes - between the sheep and Ed Balls, you may have a chance!

 

We had a field with knotweed up by me which never had live stock in for years as soon as sheep were introduced, it was eaten so over two years its all gone.

 

Very interesting, and I certainly wouldn't argue with that - I would question though whether perhaps the sheep have just been eating the stems and new growth, and would have expected that the root is still there - possibly spreading? As long as the sheep eat everything above ground, there will be no signs , but the jk could still be there and active.

I have no idea having not seen the site, but would be very interested to take a look.

Interesting and food for thought. Thanks
Simon

 

Japanese Knotweed is used as animal fodder in the Far East and here in Britain it is known that cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys and goats graze the plant. Animals prefer the young shoots as they emerge in the spring and after about June the stems become rather woody. Grazing may reduce shoot densities and height but will not eradicate it fully.

Grazing is therefore not an eradication tool but is helpful in suppressing the plant and reducing spread.