Tight‑access Japanese Knotweed excavation and boundary‑line remediation delivered as part of a Lewisham Council housing redevelopment.
Tight‑Access Excavation & Boundary‑Line Knotweed Removal for Lewisham Council Housing Regeneration
At the request of Mulalley & Company Ltd, Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd (IVM) carried out a full Japanese Knotweed assessment at Fairfields, Catford (SE6 4HH), a redevelopment project involving an existing Lewisham Council‑owned block of flats. Initial surveys identified Knotweed growth within the rear gardens of propertites which back directly onto the Fairfields boundary. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the Knotweed had emerged on the Fairfields side, just inside the brick wall.
Project Overview
Location: Fairfields, Catford, London, SE6 4HH
Client: Mulalley & Company Ltd / Lewisham Council
Site Type: Urban housing redevelopment with extremely restricted access
Contamination: Boundary‑line Knotweed originating from multiple neighbouring gardens
Requirement: Full excavation and controlled removal of all Knotweed‑affected soils
The Challenge
Access to the Knotweed‑affected area was extremely limited, with no space for standard machinery. Knotweed rhizomes were found tracking along the foundations of the original boundary wall and penetrating the structure in several locations. Contaminated soils needed to be removed without risk of cross‑contamination, while working within a live redevelopment site with strict environmental controls.
Our Solution
IVM carried out a controlled excavation using micro‑excavators and an electric tracked dumper, enabling safe soil removal despite the restricted access. A dedicated receiving area was established, constructed on a concrete slab and edged with timber boards to prevent cross‑contamination. Contaminated soils were transported via the electric dumper and removed from site by grab lorries.
Outcome
• All Knotweed‑affected soils fully excavated and removed from site
• Rhizome penetration into the old wall foundations successfully exposed and treated
• No cross‑contamination occurred during soil movements or waste handling
• Receiving area and dumper route inspected and confirmed clear of Knotweed material
• Works completed within the redevelopment programme, followed by issue of guarantee
Project Photos
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