Lancashire's giant hogweed hotspots after child burned by plant

A Greater Manchester school has issued a warning after a four-year-old touched the toxic plant, which is regarded as one of the UK’s most dangerous.

Hardy Mill Primary School, in Bolton, said: “One of our children has sadly been in contact with this plant over the half term break and ended up at the hospital with second degree burns.

UK parents issued warning as 'Giant Hogweed' leaves child with second degree burns. (SWNS/Bolton News)

“Please look out for this plant in your garden and when out and about with you children. We have been informed that this plant is definitely growing in Longsight Park in Bolton.

“It would be helpful to show your children what this plant looks like so they can avoid coming into contact with it.”

• READ MORE: UK parents issued warning as Giant Hogweed leaves child with second degree burns

What is giant hogweed and why is it dangerous?

You’re most likely to see Giant Hogweed between June- August and it can be identified by its tall umbellifer and large, white, umbrella-like clusters of flowers.

It has a hollow, rigid which is purple-spotted, and it favours damp areas, such as riverbanks.

However, it gained a reputation as one of the UK’s most dangerous plants for its blister-causing sap.

After contact with the sap, the skin will start to blister and later form a brown scar; the skin will also be sensitive to sunlight for some time afterwards.

Medical professionals advise anyone who comes into contact with it to wash the areas affected with soap and cold water, and wear long-sleeved clothing.

Blisters and burns can occur if the skin is then exposed to direct sunlight, and if the plant touches patients' eyes they must report to A&E immediately as it can cause blindness. 

If you feel unwell after coming into contact with Giant Hogweed then it is advised to consult with your doctor.

Where are giant hogweed hotspots in Lancashire?

Giant hogweed hotspots in Lancashire. Credit: whatshed.co.uk

An interactive map, from whatshed.co.uk (garden building buyers guide), shows exactly where giant hogweed has been reported across the UK- East Lancashire included.

It’s important to note that the hogweed may have been removed from these locations since being placed on the map.

Here are the Lancashire locations included on the map:

• Along the River Hyndburn, near Mill Wood
• The Clough Brook and along the River Calder, Altham
• Stanworth Wood, near Feniscowles
• Pleasington Golf Course, near Links Lane, Pleasington
• Duckshaw Road, Darwen
• Along River Ribble, near Mellings Wood, Preston
• Kittingborne Brow, Higher Walton
• Holland Wood, Walton-le-Dale.
• Near Higher Gate, Penwortham
• Along the Mill Brook, Penwortham
• Lawson Road, Blackpool
• Along the River Wyre, Near Wardley’s Lane, Poulton-le-Fylde