BBC Breakfast News - July 27 2017.

Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, was featured on the network's flagship show BBC Breakfast which has a daily audience of 6.5 million.

During the bulletin Environet were taking part exclusively in a Japanese knotweed feature.

In the interview the BBC Environment Correspondent Yvette Austin explains the issue with knotweed and then covers why Environet acquired the land. Nic goes on to explain that the area is to be used for field trials after extensive research in the lab to develop and improve the methods currently used.

The piece also included an interview with a resident living close to the site.

Please note - The full clip will be available on our website once authorisation has been granted by the BBC.

BBC South East Today - 26 July 2017.

Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, was featured on the BBC South East Today lunchtime and evening News.

During the main bulletins Environet were featured exclusively in a piece entitled "Knotweed Trials".

In the interview the BBC Environment Correspondent Yvette Austin explains the issue with knotweed and then covers why Environet acquired the land. Nic goes on to explain that the area is to be used for field trials after extensive research in the lab to develop and improve the methods currently used.

Please note - The full clip will be available on our website once authorisation has been granted by the BBC.

ITN Productions - November 2015.

A Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) programme entitled 'Building Tomorrow', produced in partnership with ITN Productions, was launched in November 2015. This featured key industry interviews and news-style reports, with Environet sponsoring a 5 minute segment on Japanese knotweed. Nic Seal, Managing Director, discusses the benefits of the patented Xtract™ machine, specifically on commercial sites. 

BBC Breakfast News - November 2014.

John Maguire of BBC Breakfast discusses fines for failure to control Japanese knotweed when he visits the Environet team on a residential site in South London. He interviews Nic Seal, Environet MD, who explains the problems associated with Japanese knotweed and the methods available to remove this highly invasive plant. John is able to see the Environet Xtract™ process in action plus he interviews Lawrence Lacey, Solicitor from Clarke Willmott, who discusses the issues surrounding Japanese knotweed when trying to buy and sell a residential property and the importance of purchasing an insurance guarantee.

The One Show - May 2010.

Environet's Nic Seal appears on the BBC 'The One Show' featuring Japanese knotweed removal at a community garden in Surrey.

The Sunday Times Home supplement - August 6 2017.

Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, was featured in The Sunday Times "Home" supplement.

Each week within Home there is a section called "Home Help" where experts are asked to help the general public with any property related issues they may have.

This week's "Problem of the Week" My Neighbour Has Knotweed, features letters from 2 separate individuals with issues regarding Japanese knotweed. One has knotweed in a garden nearby, the other finds it in his new garden. Nic is called upon to offer his expert advice on the options open to residents, and any legal redress they may have.

The full article can be read here.

The Mail Online, Property Clinic - July 21 2017.

In the regular, and popular, column "Property Clinic" journalist Myra Butterworth answers a question received from a member of the public - Japanese Knotweed has been found in the hedge that separates the development I live on and our neighbour's property. Does this mean I won't be able to sell my property?

Myra answers the question firstly by looking at the issues involved with Japanese Knotweed and the sale of a property. She then calls on Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, for his expert advice on the legalities involved as well as the removal methods available.

The full article can be read here.

The Times, Bricks and Mortar section - July 21 2017.

Here, Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, is a main contributor to the article “Coping with knotweed”. In the piece journalist David Byers looks at the introduction and history of Japanese knotweed. He then moves on to discuss the problems and issues associated with having knotweed present on your property, along with the treatment and removal options available.

The article also includes a case study of one of our clients, Brenda Dunn.

To read the article in full please click here. Please note that registration is required to access the article, which takes no longer than 30 seconds.

An extensive feature on Japanese knotweed is included in the latest Telegraph Saturday magazine, 17th September 2016. Starting at the beginning when knotweed was first imported as an exotic species in the mid 1800’s, to where we are now:  Japanese knotweed costs around £166 million a year to clear and is classed as Britain’s most destructive invasive plant. ‘Knotweed: The unstoppable scourge of British gardens’ focuses on the history of the plant, why it has become a problem, and ways to tackle it.

A case we dealt with last year in South Wales is mentioned. Liz Wakeman, who was trying to sell an elderly relative's house was told the value was halved due to the presence of knotweed. After treatment by Environet, the house sold for just under the asking price. 

Journalist Matt Rudd publishes his article 'The Plant that Ate Britain' as the cover story in the Sunday Times Magazine in July 2014. The article gives a historical background to Japanese knotweed, how to identify it and the problems it causes in terms of property damage, disputes between neighbours and effect on mortgage lending. The article describes some possible ways of removing Japanese knotweed including the risks involved of DIY/amateur attempts that induce dormancy. As Matt quotes 'It's eating our gardens, destroying our houses and ruining our lives. Can anything free us from the insidious grip of Japanese knotweed?'

Sally Chatterton thought her new garden was a blank state, just waiting for her grand design. Little did she know about the malevolent intruder lurking just beneath the surface as she explains in her article I've gone to war with Japanese knotweed published in the Daily Telegraph in July 2013. My mother-in-law, a crack gardener, spied it in the half-light from the kitchen window when we were barely two weeks into our new flat. It seemed we had a sitting tenant in the garden: Japanese knotweed. 

Japanese knotweed indemnity insurance is discussed in the October issue of Homebuilding and Renovating. The article 'Plant Peril' explains why this policy was launched last year by CLI, to protect homeowners against Japanese knotweed. Premiums start from £65, speak to your conveyancing solicitors for advice.

 ‘Japanese knotweed will plague the capital after record warm winter’, Journalist Lizzie Edmonds writes in the London Evening Standard. After the warmest winter on record, Londoners are warned to watch out for accelerated Japanese knotweed growth.  The article describes a case where knotweed was discovered in the garden which delayed renovation plans. After hiring Environet, the plant was eradicated and supported by a guarantee underwritten by an A rated insurer. 

'Eco-Innovation Winner' Miles Bloomfield tells us about his experience in the latest edition of First News, the only weekly newspaper for young people. It has a readership of over 2 million 7 to 14 year olds. The Eco-Innovation Awards was launched last year at The Moat School. 

Although a bright and attractive plant, Japanese knotweed is well known for wreaking havoc on building sites, often causing structural damage and costly removal fees, as well as jeopardising mortgage eligibility. Environet's article Untangling the problem of Japanese knotweed in i-build, March 2015 recommends those embarking on self-build to familiarise themselves on this invasive and pernicious plant.

In the 'Ask the Expert' section of Homebuilding and Renovating February 2015, Environet MD, Nic Seal, explains the damage Japanese knotweed can do and how to get rid of it. Nic advises that any treatment or removal work is covered by an insurance-backed guarantee which is required by most lending institutions when deciding to sell a property.

Culture South West ran an article titled "Trying to get rid of Japanese knotweed will tie you up in knots" which looks at all of the issues associated with knotweed and which eradication options are available.

getSurrey ran with the article "Japanese knotweed should not be a 'deal breaker' for Surrey homeowners" and used the YouGov research, undertaken for Environet into the public’s awareness of Japanese knotweed, explaining how it does not need to halt the house purchasing process. The article also includes comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

LondonlovesBusiness.com, the online newspaper for London’s business community, has published the article "Japanese knotweed 'puts most people off buying a property'". In the piece they extensively cover the YouGov research undertaken for Environet, as well as looking at the history and treatment options available. The article finishes with a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, explaining why the presence of Japanese knotweed is not a deal breaker when it comes to the sale of a property.

Town & City is a free lifestyle magazine covering the latest in home, leisure and business in the south.

Issue 12 of the magazine, published in July 2017, produced a 2 page feature on Japanese knotweed titled "Japanese knotweed deters nearly 8 in 10 from buying a property".

The piece includes extensive coverage of our YouGov research, an Environet "Heat Map", which shows the presence of Japanese knotweed, of England & Wales and also includes commentary from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

Within their Property section The Herts Advertiser ran a feature entitled "Hope for homeowners hit by Japanese knotweed" which contained our YouGov research, as well as our "Heat Maps" of Japanese knotweed presence within the readership area of the publication. The article concludes with a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

The Bristol Post featured the article "This single thing will stop eight out of ten people buying a home - and Bristol is a hotspot for it" which not only covers our YouGov research, but also includes our "Heat Map" for the west of England as well as a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

The local news site Haslemere UK produced the article "Japanese knotweed should not be a ‘deal breaker’ for Surrey homeowners" (which uses the YouGov research undertaken for Environet) and looks at the Japanese knotweed problem in the area, and how it should not be seen as an obstacle in the sale of a house. The piece also includes a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

devonlive.com, the local news site for Devon, published a piece entitled "Devon is a hotspot for Japanese Knotweed - and it can devalue your home" and uses the recent Environet research, as well as our "Heat Maps" to explore the Japanese knotweed problems within the area. The article is rounded off by a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

West Bridgford Wire uses the YouGov research, undertaken for Environet, and uses this to explore not only the local public's attitude towards Japanese knotweed, but also the amount growing in the local area. The article includes a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. The article can be read in full here.

The Plymouth Herald used our YouGov research to publish the article “Plymouth is a hotspot for aggressive plant which devalues your home” which also uses our "Heat Map" to indicate the continual growth of Japanese knotweed in the area the newspaper covers. Comment is also offered by Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. 

Somerset Live produced the article “UK's most destructive plant Japanese knotweed spotted in Wells - is it a danger to historic buildings and gardens?”. Which looks at the issues of Japanese knotweed in the area and its prolific spread. The article finishes with highlighting the YouGov research undertaken for Environet. 

In the April 2017 edition of the Gillingham News, ‘Don’t get knotted over Japanese knotweed’, Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet explains all you need to know about Japanese knotweed. This Q&A covers the key characteristics of knotweed, and discusses what the law says about the pesky plant. Always check the TA6 form when buying a property, as there is a specific question relating to Japanese knotweed. A ‘Yes’ or ‘Not known’ may require further investigation. 

Cardiff Times produced the article "Japanese knotweed deters nearly 8 in 10 from buying a property" which showcased our YouGov research and features a quote from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

 

Bath Chronical ran an article called "Why Bath is one of the worst affected areas for 'destructive and invasive' Japanese knotweed" and used our YouGov research, as well as our "Heat Maps" of Japanese knotweed growth in the readership area, to highlight the local problem, issues and attitudes. The piece also featured a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

In the London Weekly News, Journalist Jack Dixon announces the launch of a new campaign 'Bags of Help' in 'Join in our Great Green Giveaway'. The London Weekly News in partnership with Tesco, discuss a new initiative to help communities lead the way in cleaning up the capital. The Bags of Help campaign is aimed across three boroughs: Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster. Environet’s Eco Innovation Awards scheme features as a case study. Launched in September 2015, the scheme has already produced several clever ideas. 

In the Guildford Edition of the Surrey Advertiser, Environet warn residents to look out for Japanese knotweed. In the article 'Knotty Problem', knotweed specialists Environet state that while knotweed is 'out of sight and out of mind' over the winter, it is about to start growing again at a spectacular rate. 

Cornwall Live, the local news website, published a piece entitled "Japanese knotweed hotspots found across Cornwall as UK's 'most aggressive' plant thrives" and uses the recent Environet research, as well as our "Heat Maps" to explore the Japanese knotweed problems within the area. The article is rounded off by a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

Coventry City residents warned about Japanese knotweed. In this article, the 'Invader knotweed may return', residents are warned about knotweed growth due to the mild and wet winter. ASBOs have been issued to landowners who are not controlling Japanese knotweed. It is important for those who have knotweed, understand the law and know what needs to be done to control Japanese knotweed. 

In this article, 'Knotweed warning as plant reappears', Journalist Nino Williams writes about how Japanese knotweed has emerged early this year, due to a wet and mild winter. Tackling knotweed in Wales is estimated to cost around £9 million a year. ASBOs can be issued if a landowner does not make an attempt to control their knotweed, which if left unchecked can encroach on other properties, lowering the resale value. Japanese knotweed Indemnity Insurance is now available for those worried about Japanese knotweed. 

In this article The house price is right as rampant weed is eradicated, there is a happy ending for this Welsh knotweed saga. Originally told her house value would half due to the presence of knotweed, Environet came to the rescue with a treatment plan. Now the house has sold just shy of the asking price. The Government may had admitted defeat in removing this invader, however this Swansea woman has shown that the plant can be defeated. 

Recently our South West Regional Manager Emily Grant was interviewed by Devon life. Entitled 'Destroying Japanese Knotweed', Emily states how she would like to remove knotweed from the UK. The best piece of advice she offers would be to seek professional help, but undertake research to ensure the professional is exactly that. A lot of what can be found on the internet needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Environet removal methods are all backed by a guarantee so rest assured we know what we're doing. 

Liz Wakeman was told that her property was worth half due to the presence of Japanese knotweed on neighbouring land. In this article, House sold as expert answers plea in Post, it was shown that due to the work completed by Environet, the house was sold close to the asking price. Nic Seal, Environet MD states that a lot of work is completed on knotwed to a low standard, with no guarantee. In these circumstances the value of the property is lowered. 

Nic Seal, Environet MD discusses the issues when buying, selling or re-mortgaging a property and the guarantees that are available when Japanese knotweed is present in his article Japanese Knotweed - what's all the fuss about? published in Chelsea Life in June 2015. All Environet removal methods are fully guaranteed for up to 10 years, insurance backed at Lloyd's.

Lloyd Fyfield, Environet Regional Manager for Wales, discusses the origins of Japanese knotweed and the best way to tackle it in his article The Garden Invader that could Sink your Mortgage published in Around Town Magazine in Summer 2015. "Loved by the celebrity gardeners of the day, it was planted in the grand gardens in South Wales. They admired its fast growth, its attractive bamboo-like stems with purple freckles, its large spade-shaped leaves and its mass of pretty, creamy white flowers in the summer. Unfortunately, they were not to know the havoc it would wreak in years to come, growing out of control and pushing out our native species. Not to mention the damage to property and distress to home sellers, house buyers and property developers."

In January 2015 the South Wales Evening Post pubished an article - Knotweed 'Asbo' Warning - talking about the new powers given to local authorities under ASBO legislation to force homeowners to clear up Japanese knotweed on their land. Environet confirms there are already legislative instruments in place that are now widely used in cases of Japanese knotweed encroaching from one piece of land to adjoining land. It's called civil nuisance and has been around a long time.

In the October 2014 edition of the Woking Advertiser an article entitled Environet discovers a solution to eradicating Japanese knotweed in winter highlights Environet's development of their Xtract™ process for the residential market to allow knotweed to be removed at all times of the year. Herbicide treatment has traditionally been used for removing knotweed in residential gardens which can only be carried out during the summer growing season. Knowing Environet has the most environmentally-friendly solution available, that can be dealt with all year round, is proving to be very popular with clients - particularly where they are keen to sell their homes. 

Olivia Parish writes an article entitled 'Invasive Japanese knotweed has Sevenoaks district in its grip' for the Sevenoaks Chronicle in September 2014. The article covers Japanese knotweed encroachment and advice by Warner's Solicitors on what guarantee you should look for if buying a property that is or has been affected by Japanese knotweed. 

Surrey Advertiser in August 2014 promotes Environet's 18th Birthday and new office move to Send in article 'Knotweed specialists get to root of problem'. Environet is celebrating 18 years since it launched at its original headquarters in Weston Super Mare, during which time it has become a leading expert in the fight against the plant taking over gardens across the country. Environet is now the longest-running organisation specialising solely in the removal of knotweed. Nic Seal advocates that "Environet is able to work with the parties involved to resolve the situation and remove the Japanese knotweed, but on occasions where legal intervention is necessary, Environet has also helped to develop a legal service with a specialist lawyer to assist with knotweed encroachment issues."

Cobham Life in May 2010 reports on Rampant weed blocks mortgage lending. Japanese knotweed is a major problem due to its voracious capacity to spread and its ability to cause damage to property. However, to refuse a mortgage simply because some knotweed is present on the land seems to be a complete over-reaction. Despite reports to the contrary, it is possible to completely remove the plant - we wouldn't offer 20 year guarantees it we had any doubts. You need to act fast to prevent its spread, to protect the value of your property and to avoid potential disputes and litigation with your neighbours.

Environet speak to The Business Magazine in 'South: Environet warns about Japanese knotweed'. A landlord wanted to build an extension on his property, but discovered he had a knotweed infestation. Environet proposed a Resi-Dig-Out™ with a root barrier, to remove the knotweed, allowing for the extension to continue

Nic Seal speaks to South East Business about Japanese knotweed and how to spot it in 'A Knotty Problem'. Environet is celebrating two decades helping property owners and developers to remove knotweed, a plant which threatens to take a stranglehold on the countryside

Environet features in the latest edition of Surrey Director, launched in 1996 for key decision makers across Surrey. This year Environet celebrated their 20th birthday, as Japanese knotweed removal experts. In 'Knotweed Specialists Celebrates', Founder and Managing Director Nic Seal comments “I have enjoyed the challenges and opportunities involved in building the company and inventing Xtract™, now patented in various countries across the world. It is one of the most eco-innovative and cost-effective methods of eradicating this highly invasive weed. We are one of the leading Japanese knotweed removal companies, with our head office in Send, near Woking.”

Property website Zoopla ran the following article in the Advice section under Property News. "Japanese Knotweed: 'alarming' levels of myths and misinformation" offers extensive coverage of our recent YouGov research, as well as including our Heat Map of England & Wales and also includes commentary from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

Zoopla continued their Japanese knotweed coverage by producing a "Q&A: Japanese Knotweed" piece.

The informative article answers everything a potential homebuyer needs to know about the dreaded knotweed and also includes vital information about buying (or indeed selling) a property with a potential Japanese knotweed infestation.

Environet are quoted extensively throughout, and Zoopla again chose to use our Heat Map of England & Wales.

AOL (the web portal and online service provider) ran an article under the money section of their website entitled “Seven things that can make a house unmortgageable" with number one on the list being Japanese knotweed. The piece includes comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, explaining why you should not try and attempt to treat the problem yourself.

 

Nic Seal speaks to eMoov about dealing with Japanese knotweed, the UK's most destructive plant. Nic explains the importance of understanding the plant, to be able to remove it effectively. There are a variety of methods than can be used, but the site specific conditions will determine what is appropriate. Speak to a professional if you find Japanese knotweed on your property or site. 

The following article 'Environet UK – a Leading Japanese Knotweed Removal Specialist', published on Silversurfers, aims to answer questions about Japanese knotweed and what you should do if you find it. Up to 5% of properties nationwide could be affected by knotweed, so it is important homeowners know the best way to deal with it. 

In the blog ‘Buying or selling a property affected by Japanese knotweed?’, Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet UK Ltd speaks to Onthemarket.com about what to do when properties are affected by Japanese knotweed. Advice is given to both buyers and sellers, on how to identify knotweed, as well as the best course of action to remove it. 

Today's Conveyancer is an information website aimed at informing businesses about the changes that are happening in the market.

They have published the following article on their website "Conveyancers urged to question Japanese Knotweed on new homes purchases" which warns conveyancers of the risks of future litigation if Japanese knotweed is found at a new property that they have acted on.

The article also offers advice and guidance from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

 

The National Association for Estate Agents (naea) uses our YouGov research to explain how the presence of Japanese knotweed on a property should be handled during the selling process “Know your knotweed from your regular weeds”. 

PropertyWire.com is an online channel focused on news from both the residential and commercial real estate sectors. They have published the article "Invasive Japanese knotweed deters vast majority of home buyers, new survey confirms" which leads with our YouGov research into the publics knowledge of Japanese knotweed and also includes a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. 

Online property website propertyreporter.co.uk ran a feature article “8 in 10 put off from buying a property over Japanese Knotweed fears” leading with our research headline from our recent YouGov research. The article outlines the findings of the research and includes comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. 

News portal propertyindustryeye.co.uk published the article “Three-quarters of home buyers scared off by Japanese knotweed” which looks at the legal implications of Japanese knotweed and also includes a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. 

Website insideconveyancing.co.uk used the content of our YouGov research to publish the article "Japanese knotweed deters nearly 8 in 10 people from buying a property" and features extensive coverage of the research findings.

Online news gateway landlordnews.co.uk produced the article “Awareness and concern over Japanese Knotweed growing” using our YouGov research to highlight issues faced by Landlords as awareness of Japanese knotweed increases. The article also includes comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

 

Today's Conveyancer have published the article "Japanese Knotweed puts off 78% of buyers" leading with our YouGov research and including a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

Law news site, conference & event organisers Law Firm Services have produced the article "Japanese Knotweed - solution not problem conscious" in which they cover the YouGov research undertaken for Environet, and also includes a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

Environet were featured on the Professional Builder website in the article "Is Japanese Knotweed Deterring Potential Homebuyers?" which used our YouGov research to examine the current attitude of house buyers and the alarming levels of myth and misinformation. The piece also featured a comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

 

A large independent estate agents in the South of England used our recent YouGov research as a way to highlight the issues and resolutions available with Japanese knotweed to anyone looking to buy or sell a property and finishes with a quote from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. The article can be read here.

Mat Day, Senior Regional Manager (North), for Environet was interviewed on the BBC Radio Leicester breakfast show on Tuesday 19 September 2017.

The interview is available to listen to here, and begins at 1hr 53 minutes.

Nic Seal was interviewed, live, on the BBC Sussex Breakfast Radio Show on Friday 28 July 2017. Presenter Neil Pringle conducted the interview. Neil hosts the daily show and takes an active interest in covering the local and national news.

The interview started with a review by BBC Environment Correspondent Yvette Austin of the Environet led news story featured extensively across the BBC media outlets this week.

The interview, conducted live at 7:50am, discusses the reasons behind Environet purchasing the Japanese knotweed infested land in Robertsbridge for R&D purposes. The conversation then goes on to cover the different eradication methods available to property owners.

The show is available to listen in its entirety here with the interview starting at 1hr 48m 27s in.

Environet Managing Director Nic Seal was interviewed for Eagle Radio on Sunday 2 October 2016. In the article 'Japanese knotweed could cost you thousands', Nic discusses how Japanese knotweed grows very quickly, overshadowing other native plants and needs to dealt with as soon as possible, to prevent any damage to property. If you find a plant that you think may be knotweed, Environet offer a free identification service from a photo.

Environet Director Mark Thompson was interviewed on the Mark Forrest show on Wednesday 19 November 2014. The interview revolved around a property in Swansea where the value of the property was halved due to knotweed, until Environet came to the rescue. A treatment programme is now underway that is insurance backed at Lloyd's, giving any propsective purchaser the peace of mind that the knotweed problem is now under control.

Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet, has an article published in the September 2017 edition of The New Law Journal.

The piece is featured in the Property/Expert Witness section of the publication.

Titled "An unwanted visitor" Nic provides an expert’s perspective on Japanese knotweed encroachment & misrepresentation.

Environet feature in the August issue of Public Sector Building Magazine with our article "Don’t get tied up in Japanese Knotweed issues"

The piece is placed within the "Focal Point: Landscape Design, Parks + Play" section of the magazine.

Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet UK, examines the damage knotweed can cause in public sector owned property and how to remove it.

Professional Builder featured Environet in their June 2017 edition in the article "Knot for the faint hearted". In it Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet UK, provides an update on Japanese knotweed and outlines how to ensure its removal.

 

Building Specifier is an information portal for all professional building specifiers who produced the article "Japanese Knotweed deters nearly 8 in 10 from buying a property" on their website. The feature includes the findings of our YouGov research as well as a "Heat Map" of Japanese knotweed growth within England and Wales and finishes up with comment from Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet.

 

Builder As pressure mounts to achieve the Government’s housebuilding objectives, brownfield developments are site to rise.  In ‘It’s Knot a problem’,  the April 2017 edition of Building and Engineer, Nic Seal comments on how Japanese knotweed can be identified and controlled prior to developing brownfield sites. . 

Nic Seal, Environmental Scientist and founding Director at Environet UK Ltd, provides an update in the April 2017 edition of Professional Housebuilder and Property Developer. The best ways of dealing with Japanese knotweed on a development site are outlined in ‘Knotweed removal’. 

The December 2016 issue of Building Engineer features Environet. In 'Japanese knotweed - winter treatment', Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet UK Ltd and environmental scientist explains how best to tackle Japanese knotweed on construction sites, irrespective of the time of year. 

Your Build asked Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet to comment on Japanese knotweed, and the impact it can have on property. In 'Japanese knotweed - a guide for the self-builder', Nic covers frequently asked questions such as how common knotweed is, how it can affect the funding of a project, and if knotweed is covered under general insurance policies. 

'Tangled up in Knotweed' features an interview with Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet. Published in the November 2016 edition of Brownfield Briefing, Nic explains all about Japanese knotweed, and the problems it presents to homeowners and developers. Its ability to lie dormant means it's a difficult plant to remove, and as it's classed as controlled waste, it can't just be placed in with the garden rubbish. Physical removal is often the best solution, through either Xtract™ or Resi-Dig-Out™. Environet are trialling methods to help cut the costs of Japanese knotweed removal even further, in an eco-innovative way.

Environet is featued in the October/November edition of Eco Building News. In 'Xtract™ - the eco-friendly way to remove Japanese knotweed', Environet's patented techonlogy demonstrates how Japanese knotweed can be removed from commercial development sites, in a matter of days, at half the cost of 'Dig & Dump'. This method deals with the knotweed problem, in an environmentally-friendly way. Since its launch in 2008, Xtract™ has been used on sites across the UK. 

Nic Seal speaks to Building Construction Design on 'What Architects ought to know about Japanese knotweed'. Environet are happy to provide free advice to professional advisors on the most appropriate method, and provide quotations for the work. Japanese knotweed is something that needs to be dealt with, before any development work can start.

The best way to deal with Japanese knotweed removal on construction sites is discussed in the latest edition of Builder and Engineer. This article, 'Return of the Dreaded Japanese knotweed' discusses the eco-innovative Xtract™ method, and the time and cost savings this can provide to development sites. This method was featured in a programme entitled 'Building Tomorrow', which was produced in partnership with ITN Productions and the Chartered Institute of Building. 

The following article ‘To be, or knot to be’, Nic Seal, Managing Director of Environet and one of the UK’s leading experts on Japanese knotweed explains what you need to know should you discover this invasive plant on a construction site.  There are various Japanese knotweed removal techniques that can be used when knotweed is identified on site. The benefits of Xtract™ are discussed, highlighting the cost savings on haulage, disposal, landfill tax and buying in clean fill, over other methods such as Dig & Dump.

Nic Seal tells the Solicitors Journal what all solicitors should know about Japanese knotweed during the conveyancing process in his article of October 2014 - Disclosing knowledge of knotweed needs to be more transparent. With pre-contract enquiries, vendors would be unwise to attempt to conceal knotweed as it needs to be disclosed on the TA6 form. Vendors that do not disclose run the risk of a misrepresentation claim. Many misrepresentation claims are now being settled out of court in favour of the buyer.

In the April 2013 edition of Building Engineer, The Legal, Financial and Technical Implications of Discovering Japanese Knotweed on a Development Site are explained. The impact of Japanese knotweed on building and development can be considerable. It is virtually impossible to secure finance on land with the invasive plant on or near it and its discovery can cause unwelcome delays in building plans. Once appropriate guarantees are provided, finance is forthcoming and work can commence on site.

Professional Builder article In a Knot highlights the problems with Japanese knotweed that are particularly pertinent at the moment because April marks the start of the growing season. Not only that, but flooding has been proven to significantly increase the risk of it spreading. So what do you need to know and what questions should you be asking before you make a decision on how best to deal with it? Nic Seal of Environet UK offers some advice...

Nicolas Seal of Environet examines the legal, financial and technical implications of discovering Japanese knotweed on a development site in his article entitled Hidden Threat in the RICS Building Control Journal in January 2014. Under the 2010 updates to the Building Regulations, site investigation is now recommended in order to determine how much unsuitable material should be removed before building begins. Where Japanese knotweed is concerned, determining the extent of the problem is a job for a specialist.

The Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) discusses - Knot in my Back Yard! For managing agents, the discovery of Japanese knotweed can be a real headache. Onward sales will be hampered; disagreements between residents may make resolution tricky; then there's the issue of cost and where the financial and legal liabilities lie.

Environment Industry Magazine discusses Xtract, the eco alternative for the immediate eradication of Japanese knotweed, Environet's ground breaking eco method for the rapid and complete removal of knotweed. The advantages that this method provides are numerous. For the developer, immediate removal can be achieved at a highly competitive price, without delays to the construction programme and with peace of mind backed by a market leading 20 year guarantee on this method as standard. For the eco-minded, knotweed is cleared with negligible environmental impact, no harmful herbicides are required and no infested soils are consigned as waste to landfill.

Sustain Magazine article Untangling the Knot. Japanese knotweed now plagues the environment and its removal can be costly and time consuming. However, recent research into biocontrols by scientists at CABI have suggested a sap-suckling psyllid insect could successfully bring Japanese knotweed under control. The news has received a very mixed response from those involved in the eradication and control of this most pernicious weed.