NATURE is awesome in all sorts of ways and not least in the ways it can protect itself.

One of the more unpleasant side-effects of this can be viewed, and sometimes experienced, at this time of the year in the local countryside when the Giant Hogweed claims passing “victims.”

Unfortunately, just brushing up against this toxic plant can result in painful, burn-like skin blisters. Since it’s impossible to completely banish the plant from rural areas, we all need to be extra vigilant. Children especially need to be able to recognise, and avoid, it as one of the natural seasonal dangers.