Fight to eradicate hogweed in Fife village

The old dump, a large site behind the current recycling centre at Pittenweem, has long been a haven for this dangerous, invasive species, enabling it to spread down the Dreel Burn and along its banks to Anstruther.

A new group made up of local conservationists and landowners devoted to the restoration of the Dreel Burn has worked with the Fife Coast & Countryside Trust (FCCT) and Resource Energy Solutions to come up with a plan of action. Funded by Resource Energy Solutions, FCCT will oversee spraying and further control measures for the rest of the year which will stop the hogweed spreading.

This also buys time for all the stakeholders to come up with a plan for the long-term control and final eradication of this pest.

Councillor Linda Holt said: “Giant Hogweed presents a serious hazard for both humans and pets. It has been allowed to run wild and now abuts both the road and footpaths in the area. Locals have been expressing concerns about it since I was elected three years ago, and I am delighted that we now have a head of steam to get this problem dealt with. FCCT has been extremely helpful despite the difficulties of lockdown, and I look forward to working with the trust and other stakeholders to put together a long-term management plan in the autumn.”