What a Bind

Invasive bindweed on the Heath


You’ve probably noticed that a plant with attractive trumpet shaped white flowers (see photo left) inhabits many parts of the Heath. It appears between spring and autumn and is called hedge bindweed, or just bindweed and it has a habit of choking other plants by winding around their branches. There is also a smaller form, commonly called convolvulus with white or pink flowers.

Bindweed on the Lower field

These plants can become a menace because they have long root systems not easily removed. They can be controlled by commercial weedkillers containing glyphosate . Bindweed is now well entrenched on many parts of the Heath.

If you have a garden, it is advisable to treat affected areas as soon as possible. Japanese knotweed can also take over areas of ground and we have successfully treated an outbreak.