Plants & Animals.

December 10th, 2021

Protected Animal Species

There are many protected species across the UK, and from time to time, residential surveyors may come across certain protected animal species whilst inspecting property. In this article, we have provided a roundup…

June 17th, 2020

Japanese Knotweed Case Law

Over the past few years Japanese knotweed has raised concerns, perhaps disproportionately, among residential surveyors. This is not due to any changes in the law, but due to a small number of cases…

June 17th, 2020

Giant Hogweed – Emerging Liability

Giant hogweed is notable amongst invasive plants in the UK in that it has direct harmful human health implications, as well as negative effects on the native ecology and environment of the UK.…

June 10th, 2020

Cannabis Cultivations – What to Look Out For

In this article, Sava student and serving police officer, Christopher Moran, explains the signs to look out for when inspecting property with regards to cannabis cultivations, and what to do if you suspect…

August 17th, 2019

Japanese Knotweed – Where Are We Now?

Japanese knotweed has a demonstrable impact on the built environment and the native ecology and environment of the UK. Following the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report, this article takes stock…

June 17th, 2018

Japanese Knotweed – Research by Dr Dan Jones

Fall from graceJapanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica var. japonica), is one of a number of knotweed species, introduced into Europe in the mid-19th century (1841) by Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold, a German botanist and…

June 10th, 2018

Rodent Infestations – Identifying and Reporting

by Sava Technical Team & Phil Parnham MRICS, Director, BlueBox PartnersAt Sava, we handle complaints on behalf of surveyors on a regular basis and from direct experience know that homeowners are not best…

February 17th, 2018

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) is a perennial and, on the face of it, an elegant and attractive bamboo-like plant. However, in the past few years, it has become recognised as one of the…

February 17th, 2018

Insect Attack

People can get very worked up if they find evidence of “woodworm” in their property because they worry that it will spread and impact on the structural timbers of their homes. It is…