People are being urged to be on their guard for giant hogweed - dubbed "Britain's most dangerous plant" - while out and about beside the River Tees this summer.
Tees Rivers Trust issued the warning as part of the fifth season of its "Tees Operation Giant Hogweed" (TOPHOG), funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The plant, an invasive species native to the Caucasus Mountains produces a toxic sap, that makes skin hypersensitive to light. The sap can cause blistering burns on the affected area when in contact with sunlight.
During the summer months, giant hogweed is usually easy to spot due to its size of up to five metres tall. The plant has large sharply serrated green leaves, purple splotchy stems and a large cluster of white flowers on top.
The trust said the plant, known as "Britain’s most dangerous" due to its harmful impacts, also causes environmental issues as it takes over large landscapes.
Tees Rivers Trust have been managing invasive non native species in the Tees catchment for more than ten years.
Project officer Chloe Lawrence said: "Alongside removal, one of our main goals is to raise awareness about giant hogweed to minimise the amount of people getting injured.
"If you do come across the plant, it is best to avoid it. You can also report it using the iRecord app so that it can be dealt with by the right people. If you do come into contact with giant hogweed sap, the most important things to do are keep the affected area fully covered and wash with clean water as soon as possible.
"Seek medical attention straight away if you feel burning or tingling on the skin.”
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