Giant Hogweed spotted near Bolton - Where it has been found

Blindness can also be caused if Giant Hogweed gets into the eyes.

To help people avoid the dangerous plant, an interactive map has been published by WhatShed, allowing people to report any sightings of the toxic plant.

Known as Britain's most dangerous plant, it has been spotted near Bolton including along the River Tonge and River Croal.

This time last year a primary school issued an urgent warning about dangers of Giant Hogweed after a pupil suffered horrific burns after coming into the contact with the toxic plant.

You can see Giant Hogweed sightings across the UK via the What Shed website.

Giant Hogweed has been spotted near Bolton (Image: What Shed)

What is Giant Hogweed and is it dangerous?

Giant Hogweed, also known as Heracleum mantegazzianum is a plant in the Apiaceae family, according to the Woodland Trust website.

The plant can cause burns and blindness if humans come into contact with it.

The Woodland Trust explains: “In short - the sap of giant hogweed can cause burns. It contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis).

“If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly. Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity.

“The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin. Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin.”

Giant Hogweed has been spotted across the UK and reported via the interactive map on What Shed's website (Image: Getty Images)

What does Giant Hogweed look like?

The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant.

• Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk
• Leaves: the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy
• Flowers: the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on “umbrella-like heads” that face upwards
• Seeds: the seeds are dry, flattened and an oval shape, almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines

How do I treat Giant Hogweed burns?

If you accidentally get Giant Hogweed sap on your skin, Healthline says that you should wash the area with mild soap and cool water as quickly as possible.

You should keep the skin covered when you’re outside to protect it from the sunlight.

If a rash or blister begins to form, you should seek medical attention. Your treatment will depend on how severe your reaction is.

“Skin irritation that’s caught early might be treated with a steroid cream and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain,” Healthline explains.

It adds: “Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.”

Healthline also explains that the Giant Hogweed sap can damage more than just your skin - if the sap gets in your eyes, you can experience either temporary or permanent blindness. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems.