The hogweed have pushed their heads above the meadows and in the rough places where they have taken their hold. Heracleum sphondylium is a brute if it has the conditions it favours and will soar to two metres to eclipse less vigorous companions. We see this happening here on newly disturbed ground and in the rich soils by the ditch, but in the higher, drier meadows it is kept in check and steps nimbly enough in company. We watch it though as it will rain an army of seedlings which, from their lofty position, can travel some distance. If they find a shadowy area where the competition is less the hogweed will soon be king. 

We have watched their evolution in the top meadows, enjoying their creamy flower, but noting their propensity for dominance where they find a niche. Being biennial, or  more usually a short-lived perennial, the simplest control in those areas where they risk becoming dominant is to deadhead the umbels after they have done what they can for the pollinators, but before they run to seed. This is a task that is left until the meadows are already toppled by rain so that you cannot see your tracks and always with gloves as the sap can be an irritant in sunshine.