New data has revealed the hotspots in Norfolk where invasive Japanese Knotweed has begun to thrive.

The species is native to East Asia and was introduced to the UK in the 1800s where it has since spread out of control. 

It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species, making it particularly harmful to the flora of the Norfolk Broads. 

A heatmap of the hotspots in and around NorwichA heatmap of the hotspots in and around Norwich (Image: Environet) The hotspots around NorfolkThe hotspots around Norfolk (Image: Environet) Now Environet has been mapping the places with the highest rate of Knotweed reports.

Norwich had the highest number of calls with an area around the city having 69 reports within a two-and-a-half-mile radius.

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Just south of the city, Caistor St Edmund and Dunston also saw high levels of growth with 63 counts being reported.

Moving into the Broads, Brundall was also one of Norfolk's Knotweed hotspots, although slightly less severe.

The plant is identified by distinctive red stems and bamboo-like appearance.The plant is identified by its distinctive red stems and bamboo-like appearance (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Reports of the species boomed earlier in the year after the wettest February on record and generally higher than average temperatures.

People in Norfolk are being urged to report any sightings of the plant to relevant authorities which include the Norfolk Non-native Species Initiative and the Broads Authority.