Giant hogweed is prolific across NI, but can lead to serious injury if touchedThe scale of the giant hogweed menace in Northern Ireland has led to children being burned and the dangerous invasive plant flowering in “abundance” and “taking over” areas, according to environmental data. Although dates of the reports have been redacted by CEDaR for data protection, they cover all NI counties, and include details of children being injured by giant hogweed. Another report states a stretch of the Route 92 Foyle Valley cycle route, built on an old railway line, has “lots” of giant hogweed, adding: “It’s rampant”. In Limavady’s Drenagh Estate, which hosts weddings and offers accommodation, a report described giant hogweed as “hugely abundant” and “absolutely everywhere”. Prolific growth was also reported close to the Dunnes Stores car park in south Belfast’s Annadale Embankment area.