Street weeding trial details

How the trials will work

From April and during the 2024 growing season, we will be running three trial approaches, detailed below, on select roads in St Margarets and North Twickenham, to test greener methods of removing wild plants on public streets and reduce the use of chemical weed killer glyphosate.

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

We believe our streets can be both well maintained and thriving with biodiversity, to protect our local environment and safeguard valuable wildlife that forage and shelter on wild plants.

All trial approaches will be monitored closely to assess their effectiveness and address any concerns. You are encouraged to share your feedback with our team.

Trial approach one

This trial will take a wholly manual approach to weed removal.

Our street cleansing team will 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 will take 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

Community weeding scheme

Sign up to our volunteer-based community weeding scheme to receive guidance for monitoring wild plants on your street, deciding which plants need to be removed, and how to do this safely.

This type of scheme has been very successful in other London boroughs, and volunteers will be provided with free garden waste sacks, which typically come at a cost!

View more information about the community weeding scheme.

Trial approach two

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

Our street cleansing team will use knapsack sprayers to target problematic weeds, spraying approximately once per month from April to September. The weather and growing conditions will influence the exact days these sprays take place. 

The trial will take 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 will be closely monitored before, during, and after sprays to assess their effectiveness.

Trial approach three

This trial will involve 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 will receive either one or two sprays, timed to maximise efficiency and remove problematic weeds.

The trial will take place on the following roads. The number of sprays, as well as approximate spray times, are listed against each street. The weather and growing conditions will influence the exact days these sprays take 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 will be closely monitored before, during, and after sprays to assess their effectiveness.

Map

The map below illustrates the trial area.

Click image to enlarge.

Feedback on the trials

You can submit feedback on the trials at any time throughout the trial period by emailing weedingtrialslbr@richmond.gov.uk or calling 020 8871 8506 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Keep up to date

The progress of these trials will be under consistent, careful review. If you live within the trial area, sign up to receive our email progress updates.