Hucknall is a major hotspot for Japanese Knotweed infestations

As the UK’s most invasive plant enters its spring growth phase, Japanese knotweed expert Environet has revealed the latest hotspots using data from its interactive online tracker.

Hucknall is the third-worst area in the county for infestations with 153 cases within a four kilometre radius around the town.

Only Nottingham (227) and Mansfield (171) scored worse.

Pushing up through cracks in concrete, driveways, patios, paths, drains and even the cavity walls of people’s homes, Japanese knotweed can reduce a property’s value by 10 per cent and make it difficult to sell, unless a professional treatment plan is in place with an insurance-backed guarantee to satisfy mortgage lenders.

Homeowners are now being urged to keep an eye out for the plant in their gardens.

It starts as purple or red asparagus-like shoots emerging from the ground and quickly grows into lush green shrubs with heart or shovel- shaped leaves and pink-flecked stems.

Mat Day, Environet’s regional director for Nottinghamshire, said: “Knowledge is power when itvcomes to Japanese knotweed and this heatmap is invaluable to people who want to assess the risk in their local area.

“Despite its fearsome reputation, with professional help, the plant can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored."