READING Borough Council has announced that has launched a trial of weed control alternatives.
The year-long trial will see a number of new measures being tested in a bid to reduce the levels of chemical herbicides used in the management of municipal and green spaces.
Weeds are currently treated with glyphosate, one of the most widely-used herbicides.
The use of glyphosate can lead to the destruction of specific habitats for wildlife, and can also harm aquatic life if it contaminates water.
Long-term exposure to the substance has also been understood to cause health issues in humans.
The council notes that it is “confident” that its application methods pose no threat to wildlife, pets, or residents.
Despite this, it has acknowledged public concern about its limited and controlled use of the chemical, and has pledged to investigate alternatives as a result.
It will trial the use of thermal methods, such as steam and hot water, manual methods, such as removal by hand or rewilding, and natural methods, such as treatments of vinegar or certain fatty acids.
As of Monday, May 9, trials began to take place at sites along Northumberland Avenue, including roadside verges, and Cintra Park.
Residents in the area are encouraged not to interfere with vegetation outside of their own properties to avoid influencing the results of the trial.
It is the second trial the council has run to help manage green spaces in Reading, after it investigated the use of rewilding to encourage natural diversity in wildlife habitats.
Both schemes aim to conserve and protect habitats and native species to encourage biodiversity.
The council notes that alternative methods are more expensive than using glyphosate, with estimations that the change could add as much as £200,000 to its budget per year.
It also notes that it is not feasible to stop using the chemical completely, but is seeking to reduce it to a minimum.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback about the scheme by emailing parks@reading.gov.uk.
For more information about how the council will conduct the trials, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
