A KEIGHLEY community interest company has praised the support it's received in tackling an invasive non-native species.
Since 2015, YORgreen CIC – in conjunction with the Environment Agency and other organisations – has been helping to control giant hogweed along the course of the Upper to Middle River Aire.
Giant hogweed, now widespread across the UK, was introduced from the Caucasus region of central Asia as an ornamental plant in the 19th century.
Each plant produces thousands of seeds which spread rapidly along water courses.
Contact with giant hogweed, whose sap is highly toxic, can cause severe discomfort and blistering of the skin.
A survey of the Aire carried out by YORgreen CIC in June and last month revealed just 15 of the plants, mostly along a five-mile corridor between Gargrave and Carleton.
Shaun O'Hare, for YORgreen CIC, says: "Giant hogweed can disrupt natural habitats, therefore proactive management is necessary to help control its spread.
"We'd like to thank those who have reported sightings of the plant. Angling club members fishing on the Aire from Gargrave to Keighley have been brilliant and played a huge part in helping to almost eradicate the plant from the upper reaches of the river."
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