What is the threat posed by the Japanese knotweed along the River Roding?

The Japanese knotweed has formed a massive three-mile jungle along the River Roding in east London, which is feared to be the biggest in Britain. The invasive plant is threatening nearby homes, potentially making them unsellable.

Why is government intervention needed to address the knotweed problem?

The volunteers are struggling to contain the rapidly growing knotweed jungle without the help of government agencies like DEFRA and the Environment Agency. Experts warn that the knotweed could cause millions in damages and make surrounding properties unsellable, a burden that falls on the local community.

Home / Environment / Charity Battles to Halt Relentless Knotweed Takeover of River Roding

Charity Battles to Halt Relentless Knotweed Takeover of River Roding

Q: How are volunteers trying to stop the knotweed?

Volunteers from a charity tasked with preserving the River Roding are working to spray the knotweed with glyphosate, a controversial but effective herbicide. They are racing against time before the first frost hits, as that is the only window to effectively kill the plant.

27 Sep

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Summary

Three-mile Japanese knotweed jungle feared to be Britain's largest
Invasive plant threatens nearby homes, making them unsellable
Volunteers racing against time to spray and kill the knotweed

Charity Battles to Halt Relentless Knotweed Takeover of River Roding

As of September 27th, 2025, a massive three-mile Japanese knotweed jungle along the River Roding in east London is feared to be the biggest in Britain, posing a serious threat to nearby homes. The invasive plant has been exploding along the riverbank for years, intertwining with native reeds and causing ecological havoc.

Volunteers at a charity tasked with preserving the river are working tirelessly to try and stop the knotweed's relentless spread. They are spraying the plants with glyphosate, a controversial but effective herbicide, in a race against time before the first frost hits. However, without the help of government agencies like DEFRA and the Environment Agency, their efforts may not be enough to contain the rapidly growing knotweed jungle.