For at least a decade Giant Hogweed has been growing close to the Avon on the north side of the A338 at Ringwood. It seemed happy where it was and as far as I know didn't really cause much trouble. Despite 
it's fairly large seed it has made the leap across the dual carriageway (negotiating a particularly flakey filter) and has sprung up on the verge by the church - not a good place for such a toxic plant!.
On saturday two guys from Throwers were removing the leaves and stems of the plants as the first step in eradicating the monsters (there were loads). It was good to see that the operatives were well togged up for the job and from chatting to them they seemed well clued up on the nature of the 'beast' they were dealing with.
Impressive as it is this is one alien we really are better off without.
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