Street weeding 2024 trial details
How the trials worked
Throughout the 2024 growing season, we ran three trial approaches in selected areas of the Battersea Park ward. The trials lasted for one full growing season, and concluded at the end of 2024.
These trials allowed us to test different approaches to removing problematic street weeds, namely those likely to:
- Damage the pavement surface
- Become slip or trip hazards
- Adversely affect street drainage
- Obstruct pedestrians or wheelchair users
Trial approach one
This trial took a wholly manual approach to weed removal. This included increased manual removal for pavements and use of mechanical wire brushes for kerb channels, as well as a single blitz team approach around the time of peak growth.
This was supported by a volunteer-based community weeding scheme for residents living on streets where this approach was trialled.
This trial took place on the following roads:
- Anhalt Road
- Elcho Street
- Howie Street
- Juer Street
- Petworth Street
- Rosenau Road
- Worfield Street
Community Weeding Scheme
As part of the wholly manual and mechanical trial we also introduced a volunteer-based Community Weeding Scheme, which had been successful in other London boroughs.
The scheme encouraged residents living within the trial streets to support removing unwanted weeds using environmentally friendly methods with advice and support from us.
Trial approach two
This trial consisted of acetic acid (vinegar) replacing glyphosate sprayed directly on visible weeds. This simply replaced three annual glyphosate sprays with the same frequency of acetic acid sprays.
The trial took place solely in Albion Wharf (the Thames Path) between Battersea Bridge and Albert Bridge.
Trial approach three
This trial involved a 50% reduction in the frequency of spraying glyphosate. This was achieved by reducing the frequency of spraying from three times annually to a mix of once or twice for different roads.
The trial took place on the following roads:
- Alexandra Avenue
- Brynmaer Road
- Beechmore Road
- Forfar Road
- Kassala Road
- Lurline Gardens
- Soudan Road
- Warriner Gardens
Map
The map below roughly illustrates the trial area.
Key:
- Trial approach 1: Blue
- Trial approach 2: Amber
- Trial approach 3: Yellow
Results
Details of the trial results.
Officer monitoring
This found very little in the way of weed growth deemed to be problematic i.e. causing unacceptable obstructions, trip or slip hazards, damaging the highway surface or blocking drainage channels.
Monitoring observed a significant increase in weed growth over the year, but it wasn’t clear whether this was a seasonal effect or resulted from the lack of spraying. Additionally, industrial strength vinegar was observed to kill most insects that came into contact with it.
Residents’ feedback
Very little feedback was received whether positive or negative.
Residents’ opinion survey
None undertaken. However, this was done in relation to very similar trials in the borough of Richmond where opinions were typically highly supportive pre-trials but support dropped off markedly afterwards.
Keep up to date
Get in touch with us at weedingtrialswbc@wandsworth.gov.uk if you have any questions or comments about these trials.