Giant hogweed proliferates in Ostend urban forest: volunteers help clear exotic plant

In Ostend’s urban fringe forest, some 1,000 hectares in size, more than eight hectares are already overgrown. The giant hogweed is a beautiful and imposing plant. But she’s dangerous. And they know that at the Poison Control Center, too. Very often calls come in about serious skin injuries after contact with the juice of this plant. Especially in combination with sunlight, this exotic can really cause serious burns.

second degree

“For example, when children play between the giant hogweed, plants and leaves often snap off. The juice ends up on their skin,” says Alexander Prooot of Stadsandbos Buitengoed Oostende. “That can lead to second-degree burns.”

The Giant Hogweed was once just a beautiful exotic garden plant, but now it is a threat in nature. Forest manager Buitengoed Oostende is even calling in volunteers to lend a hand in the coming weeks. For example, they call for massive volunteers to come and help on Saturday.