Residents Warned Of Dangerous Plant Growing Along Ash Vale Towpath

Published on: 26 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 26 Oct, 2026

Hemlock water dropwort – a serious risk to humans and pets

By David Reading

Hemlock water dropwort, the most poisonous plant native to Britain, has been found growing along the towpath of the Basingstoke Canal at Ash Vale and elsewhere in the area.

Ash Parish Council has issued a local alert, saying: “Residents are advised not to touch or pick any plant they suspect may be hemlock water dropwort, and to keep children and pets away.”

Anyone who gets the plant’s sap on their skin by coming into contact with the green shoots is likely to suffer blistering and rashes. Ingestion would be far more serious.

Ash Parish Council says the plant can often be identified in November by its thick hollow stems, divided bright green leaves and its preference for wet ground along waterways, ditches and pond edges. Dead or decaying stems may remain visible through the winter months.

The parish council points out that hemlock water dropwort is frequently confused with harmless members of the carrot and parsley family. “However, all parts of the plant are highly toxic, especially the roots, which contain potent poisons capable of causing serious illness or death if eaten. Dogs can also be at risk if they dig up or chew exposed roots.”

The plant – a perennial with the nickname dead man’s fingers – grows to about 1.5 metres in height. It can be seen growing along the canal towpath near Ash Wharf and is also found on the banks of the Blackwater River, and in numerous drainage ditches in the parish. There is the possibility that it could be in other local lakes, rivers and streams.

The parish council advises residents: “ If you think you have found the plant on public land, report it to the relevant landowner or authority, such as Surrey County Council, the Basingstoke Canal Authority or the local council responsible for the site. When enjoying Ash’s waterways this autumn, admire wild plants from a distance and leave identification to the experts if there is any doubt.”

Hemlock water dropwort is native to Britain and not an invasive species so the Environment Agency is under no obligation to eradicate it. Indeed it supports wildlife and pollinators and is part of the ecosystem of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that the canal forms part of.