Integrated Weed Management Reference Guide – 2025 Edition

A timely update to a key guidance resource for sustainable weed management

Parks for London launched the 2025 edition of the Integrated Weed Management Reference Guide on 5 June at the first-ever Integrated Weed Management Conference, hosted by Kersten UK at Highbury Hall, Birmingham.

Originally published in 2020, the Guide was developed to support those responsible for managing parks, streets, and public spaces by equipping them with a toolbox of methods to prevent, tolerate, or suppress weed presence. It aims to guide practitioners in adopting a more holistic, sustainable approach to managing weeds that reduces reliance on chemicals and supports biodiversity. This latest edition has been developed by Parks for London in collaboration with the Amenity Forum, with contributions and input from Kersten UK and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Following a comprehensive review, and the recent launch of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025, the new edition reflects current national policy and regulatory updates and incorporates new evidence from industry trials, as well as emerging technologies, to provide improved guidance on weed management methods. Other key updates include:

• a framework for an integrated approach to weed management (IWM)
• a new section on soil and detritus management, highlighting its critical role in preventing weed establishment
• a practical detritus scale to support monitoring and planning
• improved templates for practitioners to adopt an IWM policy and implement IWM plans

As momentum builds for a more integrated, sustainable, and evidence-based approach to weed management, this Guide provides an essential and accessible resource for those responsible for amenity spaces and the public realm, particularly local authorities, land managers, and park and green space professionals.

This updated edition, which is now publicly accessible, has been made possible and thanks to funding provided by Defra, helping to ensure the Guide continues to support professionals across the sector with up-to-date, practical and sustainable weed management guidance.

Ed Stannard, Executive Director of Parks for London, said: “As pressures on our environment grow, it’s more important than ever to care for our green spaces in ways that are safe, sustainable, and forward-thinking. Our updated Integrated Weed Management Reference Guide equips land managers with practical tools to rethink attitudes to weeds, justify intervention where needed, and reduce reliance on plant protection products by considering less harmful alternatives. Adopting an integrated approach to weed management is a vital step toward protecting biodiversity, improving public health, and ensuring our shared spaces remain resilient and welcoming for everyone—now and in the future.”

Sean Faulkner, Sales Director at Kersten UK, said: “At Kersten, we’re passionate about helping land managers take control of weed problems in a way that’s both effective and sustainable. We’ve long advocated for an integrated approach, and this updated Guide is a fantastic step forward—offering clear guidance that supports reduced herbicide use and aligns with national policy on sustainable land management. It’s been a privilege to contribute our experience to this publication and to help launch it at our inaugural integrated Weed Management Conference—bringing together professionals who are driving real change in how we care for our public spaces.”

Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The Amenity Forum is pleased to once again collaborate with Parks for London in producing this integrated weed management (IWM) resource for its members. The Forum has consistently championed integrated approaches to amenity management, and we believe this Reference Guide will play a vital role in embedding IWM as best practice across this part of the sector.”

The 2025 edition of the Reference Guide and two supplementary policy and plan templates are available for free download here.

Parks for London connects, supports, and advocates for those who own, manage, and maintain London’s parks and green spaces. Its vision is to create a connected and valued green space sector which delivers quality, resilient, accessible, and inclusive green spaces for people and the environment.

The Amenity Forum is the UK’s industry-led voluntary initiative promoting best practice in the safe, sustainable management of weeds, pests, and diseases across the amenity sector. Funded by member organisations from across the industry, the Forum supports high professional standards through guidance, communication, and best practice advice. As the role of amenity spaces grows in importance, the Forum helps ensure those managing them do so responsibly and effectively in an ever-changing environment.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK ministerial department responsible for improving and protecting the environment, with the aim to grow a green economy and sustain thriving rural communities. It also plays a key role in supporting the UK’s world-leading food, farming, and fishing industries.

Kersten UK is a family-run business based in Reading, established in 2004 to introduce the renowned Kersten range of surface maintenance equipment to the UK market. The company supports groundcare professionals by providing innovative tools and expert guidance to help improve and preserve the built environment. Its carefully selected product range combines in-house manufacturing with industry-leading suppliers, tailored to meet local needs. Backed by a passionate team and a trusted dealer network, Kersten UK is committed to delivering exceptional service, promoting sustainable weed prevention, and ensuring every outdoor surface performs at its best.