Japanese Knotweed training follows surge in cases against vendors

An extensive online training programme has been devised to help properly professionals identify and treat Japanese Knotweed.

A programme of 15 videos and two interactive sessions has been devised by the Property Care Association, giving users what it describes as “an exceptional level of detail throughout the training period, which takes between five and six weeks to complete.”

In the autumn it was reported that legal claims against vendors over Japanese Knotweed had risen sharply, due in part to buyers and sellers rushing through transactions ahead of the end of the stamp duty holiday.

Specialist knotweed treatment firm Environet UK claims there has been a 25 per cent annual increase in misrepresentation cases because sellers allegedly failed to declare the presence of knotweed on their property.

Now Jade Stocker, PCA training manager, says: “This online training will enable candidates to develop their surveying skills for Japanese knotweed and, similar to our classroom-based training, details the background, best practice and requirements involved in the assessment and management of Japanese knotweed and other common invasive weed species.

“The course is open to both PCA members and non-members and is aimed at those involved in and with some prior knowledge and experience of the identification, assessment and management of Japanese knotweed, and other common invasive species.

“This is a great way to access training as the remote format enables candidates to complete the modules at their own pace, either in an office or home environment.

“The course is also the perfect preparation for surveyors who wish to go on to take the Certificated Surveyor in Japanese knotweed examination.”

The course is divided into two modules. 

What the PCA calls ‘module zero’ includes the legislation and environmental factors surrounding native and non-native plants, matters surrounding the control, herbicide treatment and disposal of plants and site biosecurity, as well as site investigation, risk assessment, and reporting.

Module one investigates the ecology and impacts associated with Japanese knotweed, as well as its identification, management plans, mapping and herbicide application. Module one also goes in-depth into controlling Japanese knotweed and looks at the challenges presented by alternative methods.