An all-new Invasive Plant Innovation Den is set to be a major talking point at the annual International Invasive Weeds Conference hosted by the Property Care Association’s (PCA) this autumn.
The ‘den’ will see a panel of speakers share alternative and innovative solutions for tackling invasive plant issues.
Chaired by PCA’s Technical Manager, Daniel Docking, guests will include Christopher Mellon from Queens University Belfast, talking about essential oils and Sean Faulkner from Kersten, who will discuss electrocuting knotweed, while Chris Taylor-King of Cavin Griffiths Group and Hans Kristian Westum from SoilSteam, will be sharing their thoughts on the recycling of soil.
The Invasive Plant Innovation Den will follow a packed morning agenda, which starts with Bamboo and beyond, with Dr Paul Beckett from Phlorum speaking about the rise in legal cases related to bamboo, and Sally Cullimore of the Horticultural Trade Association discussing responses to bad press around bamboo in the wider environment.
The late morning session will hear from Stefan Cannon of Phlorum discussing glysophate use and reduced dosage, followed by Robert Mitchell of Conservation Land Services and Professor Max Wade on ‘Troublesome Umbellifers: Species to watch out for and how to make a risk assessment.’
A variety of talks
Jason Finney from the Non-Native Species Inspectorate will close out the morning session with a talk on the enforcement of the Invasive Alien Species Order.
Following the Innovation Den session in the afternoon, the final theme of the day is ‘real world challenges,’ in which Paul Bannister from Amenity Training will explore on-site problems around herbicide usage and ongoing competence, and Dr Mark Fennell of AECOM will consider the question ‘is the rail network to blame for spreading Japanese Knotweed?’
PCA’s Daniel Docking said: “The Invasive Weed conference is an ideal opportunity to improve understanding of key issues, gain a deeper understanding of technical content and hear about future developments in the pipeline.
“For landscaping and groundskeeping professionals, it is also a chance to network with leading specialists, innovators and decision-makers across the sector.”
Following the success of last year’s ‘one day, three conferences’ approach, the Property Care Conference 2026 has dedicated programmes for Preservation (Damp and Timber), Structural Waterproofing and Invasive Plants.
The event will begin with delegates from all three conferences coming together to hear from keynote speaker, Richard Harral, Chief Executive at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
A packed programme
Richard will share an overview on the new competence requirements introduced by the Building Safety Act and their impact on the building and environmental professions.
Lisa Nieddu, PCA’s Events Manager, said: “With more exhibition space and a packed programme events for each of the three conferences, the day is set to be informative and engaging, providing delegates with an opportunity to share ideas and knowledge, network and learn.
“For construction specialists, ecologists, landscapers and property professionals, the Property Care Conference 2026 is an ideal opportunity to deepen their knowledge, expand their professional network and explore the latest innovations.”
Taking place on Thursday 12 November at Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, the event boasts twice the exhibition space compared to last year’s sell-out expo area, alongside a packed programme of expert speakers and will conclude with the PCA Awards Dinner in the evening.
More information is at: https://www.property-care.org/event-types/conferences/invasive-weeds-conference-2026
