Woolly task force returns to help tackle invasive hogweed in Inverurie
The dangerous invasive plant Giant Hogweed is back on the march across the north-east after an early growth spurt due to mild and wet weather.
Giant Hogweed was found growing much earlier than expected across the whole of Scotland and in Inverurie where it has been an ongoing issue for many years, work to control the giant hogweed has already started at Ury Riverside park with spraying of the outlying plants along the 'high tide' lines where the flood waters reach.
The sheep control team who are not affected by the sap this week made a welcome return to the fenced area and contractors will be mowing other areas where there are lots of giant hogweed plants along the river.
A spokesperson for Ury Riverside Park said: “It’s baaaaaa-rilliant news for Ury Riverside Park as a flock of 22 hungry sheep have just arrived to help tackle the invasive hogweed problem in a natural way. These four-legged eco-warriors will be hard at work munching away at the pesky plants over the coming weeks. It's a win-win - the sheep get a tasty feast while helping to control the spread of hogweed, which can cause nasty blisters and burns if touched by humans. Be sure to steer clear of the grazing areas and admire these woolly weeders from a safe distance! A big thank you to the Aberdeenshire Council's brilliant environmental team for this innovative solution. Let's give these hard-working sheep a warm Inverurie welcome.”