Weed Control and Environmental Protection

Aims to encourage the reappraisal of the need for non-agricultural weed control and the methods used. It outlines steps to protect the environment, especially water, when using herbicides. Benefits and drawbacks of physical and biological alternative methods are explained.

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Weed control is often used in non-agricultural situations, but the methods used may also damage the environment. Inappropriate use of some herbicides can lead to the contamination of water bodies. This guidance aims to encourage the reappraisal of the need for weed control and the methods used. It describes the precautions that should be taken to protect the environment, especially water, when using herbicides. Alternatives to herbicides, such as physical and biological methods, are also outlined with their benefits and drawbacks. These guidelines apply in particular to general amenity grass, ornamental parks and gardens, free drainage areas, free draining areas (gravelled areas, railway track) and hard surfaces (car parks, paved areas, runways).