A national trade body is issuing a timely reminder across Devon of the dangers associated with Giant Hogweed.
Over the years a number of children, as well as adults, have reported injuries after coming into contact with the invasive weed in the UK.
Now, as the summer holidays take hold, the Property Care Association (PCA) is urging vigilance to help protect against injury.
Dr Peter Fitzsimons, technical manager of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group, said: “Giant Hogweed’s sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a danger to public health.
“Youngsters are more likely to come into contact with the plant during the summertime and the mix of warm weather and rain has provided good conditions for the weed to take hold this year.
“Giant Hogweed is also spreading across a wider area, meaning that people are more likely to encounter it.”
The invasive weed is capable of growing to a height of up to five metres.

Midweek Herald: Dr Peter FitzsimonsDr Peter Fitzsimons (Image: Doherty Photography Ltd)