Described by The Wildlife Trusts as a “notoriously poisonous plant,”, swathes of hemlock has forced the temporary closure of a large area of open space in Peterborough. Peterborough City Council sealed off Thorpe Meadows after the plant was discovered growing there in large numbers.
A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council told CambsNews: “Following the recent identification of poisonous hemlock plants on land at Thorpe Meadows, we have worked to restrict access to this area.
“Fencing and signage have been installed around the plants, which will remain in place until flailing and herbicide treatment has been carried out.
“As bird nesting season is currently in progress, treatment is not expected to start until September.”
The council added: “Updates will be announced in due course, however in the meantime we would advise people to visit www.peterborough.gov.uk, where information about hemlock and safety advice can be found.”
The signs warn visitors of ‘toxic poison hemlock on site’ and additionally warn ‘do not touch or digest this plant’.
The signs also warn residents to ‘not allow dogs or children to run through long vegetation’.
One resident told CambsNews: “I gave my dog a late-night walk on the cycle path near Peterborough’s Boathouse pub but could not access Thorpe Meadow, half a mile east of the pub, because it’s surrounded by a massive new 6ft fence.
“Signs warn of poisonous hemlock. Peterborough has had toxic hemlock before, but this is on a far bigger scale.”
He added: “Thorpe Meadows is big enough to accommodate several football pitches. I suspect many dog owners will very cheesed off.”
One other recent Peterborough case of hemlock being found was at Holywell ponds and was dealt with by warning signs and then spraying.
