Decision

To approve entry into a Research Project Contract between Guildford Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council and the University of Surrey (Civic Lab) for the delivery of a research project entitled 'Reducing Herbicide Use'.
The project will evaluate the environmental impact of herbicide use and will investigate opportunities to reduce or eliminate its use. The research will identify, assess and trial alternative weed management approaches and undertake a life cycle assessment to compare their overall environmental impacts.
The work will include a literature review, environmental impact assessments, practical trials at a location in Guildford, a lifecycle assessment of alternative treatments and methodologies, and a final report setting out key findings and recommendations.
The project is scheduled to conclude by 31 December 2026.
The total contract value is £27,710 (excl. VAT), to be shared equally between Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council. Guildford Borough Council's contribution of £13,855 (excl. VAT) will be met from the Council's Sustainability Reserve.
The contract is being entered into in accordance with the recently approved Civic Lab Research Collaboration Agreement with the University of Surrey.

Reasons for the decision

The project supports the Council's commitment to reducing herbicide use and promoting sustainable land management practices. The research will provide an evidence base to inform future policy decisions and operational approaches to weed management across Council managed land.
Working collaboratively with the University of Surrey and Waverley Borough Council will provide access to academic expertise, robust environmental analysis (carbon emissions, air quality, biodiversity) and practical trials, enabling the Council to assess the effectiveness and the wider environmental impacts of alternative weed control methods.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing: This option was rejected as it would limit the Council's ability to obtain robust evidence regarding the environmental impacts of herbicide use and potential alternative weed control approaches.
Commission alternative consultancy support. This option was not pursued as the Council's partnership agreement with the University of Surrey provides access to specialist academic expertise and aligns with the Council's existing research collaboration arrangements.