Earlier this week The Times newspaper published the results of an investigation into the failure of Network Rail to protect homeowners living near railways infested with knotweed, who are unable to sell their homes.

Following a Freedom of Information request, The Times learned that Network Rail had received 11,000 complaints about Japanese knotweed since 2011, including more than 6,000 complaints that the plant was spreading on to private property.

Our Japanese knotweed heatmap, Exposed, has really taken off since its launch in spring this year and we’re delighted to see it featuring in the news pages of the current issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine!

When you admire the pretty clusters of creamy white flowers that adorn Japanese knotweed plants during August, it’s easy to see why 19th century gardeners were so taken with this impressive new ornamental plant when they discovered it at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and other nurseries throughout Europe. Bees love it too and can often be seen crowding around the delicate tassels of tiny flowers, attracted by its colour, fragrance and the sweetness of its nectar.