<p>Giant hogweed is listed as a species of special concern under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, which makes an offence of planting or otherwise causing giant hogweed to grow in the wild. As giant hogweed is widespread in the UK, there is no legal requirement to report it, nor is it compulsory to remove it. Although there are currently no plans for a large-scale eradication of giant hogweed, we support local eradication projects where this is feasible as part of management measures for this species.</p><p> </p><p>Defra, in collaboration with Natural England and Environment Agency, has published <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants" target="_blank">guidance</a> on how to stop the spread and dispose of invasive non-native plants that can harm the environment in England.</p><p> </p><p>The GB Non-Native Species Secretariat <a href="https://www.nonnativespecies.org/non-native-species/information-portal/view/1705%E2%80%AF%E2%80%AF" target="_blank">website</a> is the primary site for publicly available information on individual invasive species such as giant hogweed and includes links to management guidance documents produced by a range of organisations. The Secretariat carries out many public awareness campaigns, publishes articles, and provides training in which giant hogweed frequently features due to its human health impact.</p>