The latest hotspots of Japanese knotweed in Bucks have been revealed.

The invasive species is currently "thriving" ahead of its usual growing period due to warmer and wetter weather this winter, experts have said. 

Japanese knotweed can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species. 

Data from Environet shows which areas are currently seeing a break out of the species. 

Wycombe topped the rankings with 37 occurrences reported within 4km in the county.

Cases of Japanese Knotweed in High Wycombe, Marlow and Beaconsfield. (Image: environetuk) Another 24 cases were reported in Beaconsfield, and 25 cases were reported in Marlow. 

20 cases were reported in the Chesham area, while a further 27 reports were received in Gerrards Cross.

16 cases were also recorded in Aylesbury, north of the county, and only 1 case in Princes Risborough.

Daniel Docking, Property Care Association invasive weed control group technical manager, said: "We expect the temperature to drop, meaning many plants will slow down their growth pattern. 

"However, Japanese knotweed will be largely unaffected by these changes and that means it can start to dominate environments, with more opportunities to spread."