Industry-leading training provider and national trade body, the Property Care Association (PCA) has broadened its suite of online training courses on the management of invasive plants.

The trade body has developed courses on bamboos and invasive grasses, as well as invasive woody shrubs, trees and climbers, to expand on its current surveyor training course on Japanese knotweed.

Together the three programmes give delegates the opportunity to expand their knowledge base, offering a complete picture on the impact of invasive plants in the UK, along with a detailed look at their identification, assessment and management.

Dr Peter Fitzsimons, Technical Manager of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group, said: “Plants such as buddleia, bamboo and rhododendron are popular across the UK, but are invasive by nature and can become a problem.

“They can escape from gardens and many need to be managed and controlled to minimise their potential negative impacts on natural ecosystems.

“The new training courses from PCA ensure that those working in the invasive weed sector have access to quality, professional training that comprehensively covers a wide range of species.”

The course ‘Bamboos and other invasive grasses,’ will include four live and interactive training sessions, 11 recorded learning videos and a pack of additional materials. It covers two modules, and takes up to three weeks to complete.

PCA’s Japanese knotweed course for surveyors takes up to six weeks and incorporates seven training broadcasts, 15 recorded videos, two interactive sessions and supporting material.

It is also an ideal preparatory step for surveyors planning to study for Certificated Surveyor in Japanese knotweed (CSJK).

The training course on invasive shrubs, trees and climbers covers species such as Buddleia, Cotoneaster and Kudzo vine over two modules with four live sessions, 16 videos and a package of recommended learning materials.

All three courses cover topics including legislation, herbicide use, waste disposal and integrated weed management.

The courses are delivered by professional training providers and are open to PCA members and non-members.

Each course is tailored to those working in the invasive weed sector as well as those looking to develop their experience and knowledge of the identification, assessment and management of invasive species.

To register for the Japanese knotweed training course visit: https://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/pca-surveyor-training/control-eradication-japanese-knotweed/online/

Information on training in bamboos and invasive grasses is at: https://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/online/bamboos-and-other-grasses/.

For the course on invasive woody shrubs, trees and climbers go to: https://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/online/invasive-woody-shrubs-trees-climbers/