Sean Faulkner is the Integrated Weed Management Specialist at Kersten UK. His passion is helping land managers rethink how their surfaces are maintained, assisting them in finding the best ways to allow both nature and urban landscapes to thrive together. His methods are site-specific, relying on simple, preventative processes that minimise the need for remedial treatments. In this way, he helps custodians in the amenity sector manage the built environment to high standards of maintenance and sustainability.
He will be speaking on HortWeek’s Integrated weed management: realities vs. government goals panel at GroundsFest.
Join us on September 9 in the Landscape Zone in the HortWeek seminar area at GroundsFest at 11am.
This essential event is sponsored by Kersten.
You’re on the Integrated Weed Management: realities vs. government goals panel at GroundsFest this year – why should visitors come along?
This is a critical moment for the sector. With the updated UK Pesticide National Action Plan published earlier this year, there’s a clear policy direction encouraging reduced reliance on chemical weed control. The panel brings together a diverse group of experts, spanning policy, practice, and product innovation and it’s a great chance for visitors to ask their burning questions and get practical, informed answers. Whether you’re a contractor, a council officer, or a land manager, you’ll gain valuable insights into how to navigate the changes and adopt more sustainable approaches.
What’s your role at Kersten and how long have you worked at the business?
I’m the sales director at Kersten, and I’ve been with the company for over ten years. My role involves helping clients across the UK adopt more effective and sustainable weed management practices; particularly on hard surfaces. I also lead on developing partnerships and strategies that align with wider environmental and legislative goals.
What kind of weed management tools and equipment does Kersten offer?
We specialise in non-chemical weed management equipment, especially for hard surfaces. Our range includes mechanical weed brushes, thermal systems like hot air and hot water, and electric weeding systems such as the Zasso Zap Weeder. We also provide surface cleaning tools such sweepers and weed brushes, which play a vital role in preventing weed growth. Our goal is to offer complete solutions that support Integrated Weed Management in a practical, cost-effective way.
Considering some of the potential legislative changes in the world of weed management, what is Kersten focusing on development-wise and how is it working with clients?
In light of tightening regulations and shifting expectations, we’re focused on helping clients future-proof their operations with robust strategies. That includes Mechanising mechanical and thermal alternatives to pesticides to make operatives much more productive, and working closely with local authorities and contractors to embed Integrated Weed Management into their day-to-day operations. We’re not just supplying equipment, we’re helping design the strategy behind it to ensure long-term success and compliance.
What other work do you do on educating the industry/clients on the topic of weed management?
I’m actively involved in industry education and training. I’ve worked with Lantra and Parks for London to deliver Integrated Weed Management guidance and training and recently supported the Welsh Government in an education day for their pesticide reduction initiative. I speak regularly at conferences, run workshops, and I’m currently writing a book on sustainable urban weed management, aiming to make the topic accessible while sharing best practice, research, and real-world case studies.
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