Warm weather has seen Gloucestershire's fields and hedgerows spring to life but with the new flora and fauna comes a warning about one of the toxic plants hiding among the new growth.
Toxic Giant Hogweed, which can cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes or massive blisters if it comes into contact with the skin, is reappearing due to the recent heatwave warm weather.
It has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’, and it has left several children hospitalised with third degree burns after their skin was exposed to a stem.
It looks quite a lot like other common plants, with the flowers looking very similar to cow parsley.
Bristol Live reports how a map published by Plant Trackers shows how the Hogweed has spread to almost all parts of the country. In Gloucestershire, perhaps unsurprisingly, rural areas around the Five Valleys and the Cotswolds dominate the confirmed sightings of the plant, with the Painswick Valley seeing a cluster, and the area around Stonehouse.
Other spots include the area between Ross-on-Wye and Lea on the Herefordshire border and the woods around Ullenwood.
What is Giant Hogweed?
Part of the carrot family, the giant hogweed looks pretty, but is dangerous when it comes into contact with human skin.
Growing up to five metres tall, its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing blistering within 48 hours.
What does Giant Hogweed do?
Within 24-48 hours, rashes, burns and blisters may begin to appear. The toxins affect almost everyone but children are particularly sensitive.
Blisters caused by Giant Hogweed tend to heal very slowly as they can damage DNA, and severe blistering may re-occur for many years.
What are the symptoms from giant hogweed exposure?
Exposure can result in blisters, long-lasting scars, and - if it comes in contact with eyes - blindness.
The blisters will form within 48 hours - scars can last for years.
It can also cause cause long-term sunlight sensitivity in people who touch it.
Black or purplish scars may be left on your skin for years after.
What should I do if I come into contact with giant hogweed?
Medical professionals say you should cover the affected area, and wash it with soap and water.
The blisters heal very slowly and can develop into phytophotodermatitis, a type of skin rash which flares up in sunlight.