Giant Hogweed, the plant known as ‘Britain’s most dangerous weed’, has burst back into life across Greater Manchester once again in recent weeks.
The plant comes with a serious health warning, because coming into contact with its sap can lead to painful blistering and even blindness.
It’s easily recognisable, often growing along waterways and climbing to as tall as five metres (15ft) in height.
Giant Hogweed has large jagged leaves, according to the Royal Horticultural Society, and thick, bristly stems which often have purple splotches.
It also has flat-topped clusters of small white flowers, which can be as wide as 60cm (2ft) across.
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It looks a lot like its harmless relative cow parsley, but grows much, much bigger.
People around Greater Manchester have once again been reporting it growing along waterways, like the Manchester Ship Canal towpath in Salford and along the banks of the River Irwell around Prestwich, Salford and Bury.
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A map of Giant Hogweed growth around Greater Manchester. Credit: Plant Tracker
It’s even been spotted in the city centre, growing around Angel Meadows near the Green Quarter – though these plants have since been destroyed.
It appears that much of this year’s plant growth is being treated, with the huge Giant Hogweed plants already dying off.
If you get the sap from Giant Hogweed on your skin, it can cause photodermatitis or photosensitivity, meaning the skin can’t protect itself from sunlight.
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Giant HogweedDying-off Giant Hogweed towering overhead in Prestwich Clough. Credit: The Manc Group
It can lead to blistering, pigmentation and scarring, and could leave you blind if it makes contact with the eyes.
It can also affect dogs, as well as humans – so pet owners are advised to keep dogs on leads in areas where the plant has been spotted.
If you come across it, you should avoid contact with any part of the plant, and report it to your local council.
And if you do get Giant Hogweed sap on your skin, the following advice is issued by the Woodland Trust: “Be sure to wash the area thoroughly and immediately. Seek medical advice and do not expose the area to sunlight for a few days.”
Police appeal after Rochdale woman, 75, was burgled by man in clown outfit on Halloween
Emily Sergeant
An appeal for information has been made following reports of a burglary in Rochdale last week on Halloween.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that at around 7:10pm on Halloween (Friday 31 October), a woman on Birch Road in Rochdale answered the door to a man – who is believed to have been dressed in a clown outfit – and he proceeded to ask for a drink before following the woman into her address and stealing several items, then running away.
He took a red purse with the woman’s mother’s wedding ring inside of it – which is said to be of ‘extremely’ sentimental value.
Police say the man may have discarded the ring once he left the victim’s address, but he did use one of her stolen cards at a shop later that evening.
Birch Road in Rochdale, where the shocking incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
Thankfully, the woman – aged 75 – was left unhurt, but she has been left shocked and upset by the incident.
“This was a shocking incident, which has left a woman feeling unsafe in her own home,” commented Detective Sergeant Ruth Thompson, from GMP’s Rochdale district.
“She has spent many years helping the homeless and working for local charities, so it is particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill.”
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information following reports of a burglary in Rochdale on Friday (31 October).
At around 7.10pm that evening on Birch Road, a 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man, who then entered her home.
Investigating officers have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to, alongside the wider public appeal for information, as it’s believed it could help with their enquiries.
DS Thompson added: “While I appreciate the image quality isn’t the greatest, I hope that someone may recognise the costume and it jogs their memory.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police via 101 or using the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3012 of 31/10/25.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
Daisy Jackson -
14th July 2023 
