AutoSpray Systems commences controlled trials for drone-applied invasive weed control
Working under specific CRD trial permit, AutoSpray Systems is set to conduct two landmark trials this summer focusing on bracken control.
As part of our ongoing commitment to leading the UK’s agri-drone regulatory framework, AutoSpray Systems is pleased to announce that we have been granted trial permissions for the aerial application of specialist weed control products in two distinct, high-impact use cases.
These trials are not a transition to routine commercial deployment, but rather a strictly controlled scientific and operational evaluation. Our goal is to build the robust, peer-reviewed evidence base required to modernise UK land management.
Regulatory note: It is important to note that spraying on selected sites is subject to confirmation that all conditions exist to enable the derogation from the general ban on aerial spraying to be enacted, and that relevant authorities support pesticide application on these sites.
These trials are not a transition to routine commercial deployment, but rather a strictly controlled scientific and operational evaluation. Our goal is to build the robust, peer-reviewed evidence base required to modernise UK land management.
That said, this work is a signal shift for the sector. By securing these specific trial permits, AutoSpray Systems is moving beyond theory and into the carefully-selected application of drone technology to fully demonstrate the ability of drones to apply pesticides safely. This is a critical step on the roadmap toward wider adoption, proving that through rigorous safety standards and collaboration with bodies like the CRD and HSE, we are successfully unlocking the most challenging use cases in the country, where the limitations of current technology has produced unmet demand.
Project 1: Systemic Bracken Control
Bracken is one of the UK’s most aggressive invasive species, often dominating difficult, steep, or hazardous terrain where ground-based machinery is unsafe to operate.
In collaboration with our project partners, these trials will utilise the XAG P100 Pro to explore how selective aerial application can:
- Access remote slopes without risk to operators.
- Minimise habitat disturbance by removing the need for heavy vehicles.
- Support biodiversity by suppressing dense bracken canopies that block native regeneration.
Project 2: Selective Weed Control for Grazing Land
Weeds on grazing land can significantly reduce grass growth, compete for nutrients, and limit the quality and quantity of forage available for livestock. By targeting problem weeds selectively, grassland can recover more effectively, supporting stronger pasture performance and improved silage yields.
In collaboration with our project partners, these trials will utilise the XAG P100 Pro to explore how selective aerial application can:
- Target invasive and competitive weeds while protecting valuable grass swards.
- Improve grass availability for grazing and silage production.
- Support better land productivity by helping farmers make more efficient use of existing pasture.
- Reduce the need for heavy ground-based machinery, particularly in wet, uneven, or difficult-to-access fields.
- Deliver a positive knock-on effect for farm businesses through improved forage quality, reduced feed pressure, and more resilient grassland management.
The project will demonstrate how selective weed control, applied accurately and responsibly, can help farmers improve pasture condition while supporting sustainable land use and long-term productivity.
AutoSpray Systems has long been a driving force in the UK agri-drone sector, established through a commitment to working methodically and transparently with national regulators. By maintaining this rigorous approach to safety and data, we have a proven track record of opening doors—securing the UK’s first authorisations for various herbicide applications and pioneering the frameworks that make commercial drone spraying possible.
While these trials are a critical step on the roadmap toward wider adoption, they signify a landmark shift for the sector itself. By securing these specific authorisations, AutoSpray Systems is moving beyond theory and into the high-stakes application of drone technology. It’s a validation of our core role: unlocking the UK’s most valuable commercial markets for the AutoSpray Pilot Network.
Stay Informed: We will be releasing detailed insights and operational updates as these two phases progress throughout the summer. To receive industry updates first and in full, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.