Street weeding trial details

How the trials work

From April and throughout 2024, we are running three trial approaches, detailed below, on select roads in St Margarets and North Twickenham.

These trials are testing greener methods of controlling wild plants on public streets to reduce the use of chemical weed killer glyphosate, following concerns raised by residents about its use and asking us to consider alternatives. 

These trials will allow us to test different approaches to removing problematic street weeds, such as:

• Those likely to damage the pavement surface
• Weeds that serve as trip hazards
• Weeds that affect street drainage
• Weeds that obstruct pedestrians

Through the trials, we are exploring potential solutions that will protect our local environment and safeguard valuable wildlife that forage and shelter on wild plants, while still ensuring that problematic weeds are dealt with appropriately.

All trial approaches are being monitored closely to assess their effectiveness, as well as address concerns and consider specific feedback from residents.

You are encouraged to continue to share your feedback directly with our team, including through our final survey.

Trial approach one

This trial takes a wholly manual approach to weed removal.

Our street cleansing team have come in fortnightly to remove problematic weeds as identified in above section, either by hand or using mechanical wire brushes in kerb channels. 

This trial is taking place on the following roads:

• St Margarets Drive
• Ranelagh Drive
• Broadway Avenue
• Bridge Road
• The Mews
• Winchester Road
• Sidney Road
• Lancaster Place
• Cole Road
• Lime Grove

This trial has also included a volunteer-based community weeding scheme.

Trial approach two

This trial consists of acetic acid (vinegar) replacing glyphosate sprayed directly on visible weeds.

Our street cleansing team has used knapsack sprayers to target problematic weeds, spraying approximately once per month from April to September 2024, with the final spray taking place the week of 23 September. The weather and growing conditions have influenced the exact days these sprays have taken place.

The trial is taking place on the following roads:

• Fulwood Gardens
• St Georges Road
• St Peters Road
• Kilmorey Road
• Kilmorey Gardens
• Godstone Road
• Kenley Road
• Moor Mead Road
• Cole Park Road (south of the A316)

This trial is being closely monitored before, during, and after sprays to assess their effectiveness.

Trial approach three

This trial involves reducing the quantity of glyphosate sprayed by approximately 50%.

Roads in this area have previously received three weed sprays per year. During this trial, the below roads have instead received either one or two sprays, timed to maximise efficiency and remove problematic weeds.

The number of sprays, as well as approximate spray times, are listed against each street. The weather and growing conditions have influenced the exact days these sprays took place.

Road	No. of sprays	First spray	Second spray
Alisa Road	1	June 2024	N/A
The Avenue (Twickenham Bridge - the river)	1	June 2024	N/A
The Avenue (North side, Ailsa Road - Twickenham Bridge)	1	June 2024	N/A
Railshead Road	1	June 2024	N/A
Hill View Road	2	April 2024	August 2024
South Western Road	2	April 2024	August 2024
St Margarets Grove	2	April 2024	August 2024
Brook Road	2	April 2024	August 2024
March Road	2	April 2024	August 2024
Latham Road	1	June 2024	N/A
Latham Close	1	June 2024	N/A
Ivybridge Close	1	June 2024	N/A

This trial is being closely monitored before, during, and after sprays to assess their effectiveness.

Map

You can view a map of the trial area.

Feedback on the trials

If you live or work in one of the trial areas, we want to hear your thoughts on the success of the trials to date, particularly as we near the end of the growing season and trial period.

We’ve now launched our final survey to capture local feedback. This will run until Monday 18 November 2024.

We will review and consider the survey results alongside the feedback we’ve received directly from residents, and this will all feed into our final evaluation of the trials. We would like to thank those who have submitted valuable feedback to us as the trials have progressed.

Our Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee will make a decision about the way forward once the trial period has completed at the end of 2024.

If you need any help completing the survey or a paper copy or different format, please email weedingtrialslbr@richmond.gov.uk.

If you live on a trial road and would like to report any problematic weeds, you can submit this directly to the team using the above email address, which is monitored from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Keep up to date

If you live within the trial area and want to be updated on the next steps and results of the trials, get in touch at weedingtrialslbr@richmond.gov.uk and ask to be added to our email list.