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.”
Government to slash prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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New record-breaking £8.72m ride opens at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Emily Sergeant
The day has finally arrived… the UK’s tallest ride is now open to the public.
After first being announced back in May 2025, thrill-seekers have been hotly anticipating the arrival of Blackpool Pleasure Beach‘s newest ride, Aviktas, for the past year – and now, the time has come, as passengers have travelled from across the country to be among the first to experience the adrenaline-pumping spectacle.
Not for the faint of heart, Aviktas launches its riders 138 feet into the air while reaching angles of up to 120 degrees.
Now officially open at the iconic Lancashire seaside theme park, Aviktas has became the largest ride of its kind in the UK – almost doubling the size of the previous tallest, Maelstrom at Drayton Manor.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s newest £8.72m ride is now open / Credit: Supplied
The jaw-dropping new ride features a unique design that’s been engineered to ‘maximise thrills’.
According to its creators, Aviktas’ restraints create a sense of freedom leaving its riders feeling weightless as they soar towards its 138 foot peak.
Pleasure Beach has invested £8.72m into the attraction, marking it as its biggest single investment in eight years.
Aviktas is now the tallest rollercoaster of its kind in the UK / Credit: Supplied
“Pleasure Beach has always had a reputation for going big and pushing boundaries, and Aviktas is no exception,” commented Amanda Thompson OBE, who is the CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort.
“Its sheer size and presence speaks for itself, there is simply nothing like it in the UK. We wanted to build something that sets us apart from anywhere else and gives our guests a genuine must-visit reason to come to the park.
Daisy Jackson -
14th July 2023 
