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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
Gary Lineker set to leave BBC this week following more controversy
Danny Jones
Former footballer and veteran presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC earlier than expected following further political controversies and social media backlash.
Lineker has been butting heads with the presenter for a couple of years now, being suspended by the national corporation back in March 2023 for his comments about language used by the Conservative government, and has continued to take issue with certain aspects of their news coverage.
He has since gone on to share a further video expressing his regret over what he called an “honest mistake”, as well as confirming that he will be making a premature exit from the BBC.
As you can see in the clip above, he says: “I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused,” insisting that he didn’t see the emoji in question
Lineker is now expected to leave following his final Match of the Day programme this weekend after having already confirmed he would be leaving the role after 26 years at the end of the season.
The ex-English footballer was set to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, but given the latest furore, he will be stepping away ahead of schedule.
Having gradually wound down his work with networks like TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and the BBC in recent years, he has been slowly shifting his focus to his own Goalhanger Podcasts company, which includes several popular audio formats under The Rest Is… brand, including his own flagship The Rest Is Football show.
He goes on to add that he’s “stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all my life.” Since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflicts began, he’s been particularly outspoken on the events. One recent interview with the BBC itself sparked plenty of discussion online.
Gary Lineker, "What's going on there (Gaza), the mass murder of thousands of children is something we should have an opinion on"
Amol Rajan, "The BBC needs to be impartial about it"
Lineker reiterated that he would never “knowingly share anything antisemitic” and removed the problematic post as soon as he was made aware.
Nevertheless, the BBC and director general Tim Davie have been facing pressure to address the situation ever since it happened, with many calling for the household name to be sacked.
It seems the ex-Everton, Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona player has made the decision for them.
As he goes on to conclude, despite expressing gratitude regarding his relationship with the BBC, he feels the “time is right […’ to go our separate ways.”
“Wildfires can spread quickly and cause devastation to the land and wildlife on it,” explained GMFRS’s wildfire lead and national tactical adviser for wildfires, Ady Taylor, “so it’s vitally important that people call 999 as soon as they think they see a fire.”
He continued: “We want people to enjoy the countryside and moorland we have in Greater Manchester, but… [we] remind people to always act responsibly while out enjoying these environments.
“This means no BBQs, fires or fireworks – as they can easily result in wildfires.”
On Wednesday 14 May 2025, a teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and interviewed by police in relation to the incident, and then the following day on Thursday 15 May 2025, another two boys were also arrested – with each of the three having now been released on bail pending further enquiries while investigations are ongoing.
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a large moorland fire in Bury / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Detective Inspector Andy Wright, from GMP’s Bury district, added: “The moorland fire is being investigated as arson following information from a witness and enquiries we have made.
“We have managed to apprehend three teenagers in relation to this incident, all of them have been bailed following interviews with our officers.”
GMP and GMFRS is reminding Greater Manchester residents that if they see a fire in the countryside, they need to report it immediately, leave the area as soon as possible, and dial 999, and if you witness illegal activity in relation to the fire, then you can report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
“Fires can have such a devastating effect, and we are lucky that this has not caused a significant amount of damage, or cost lives,” Detective Inspector Andy Wright concluded.
Daisy Jackson -
14th July 2023 
