Council plans to curb its use of herbicides

A PLAN to reduce the use of herbicides to manage weeds has been announced by Henley Town Council.

The council’s recreation and amenities committee agreed a new integrated weed management strategy earlier this month.

The plan involves reducing the use of glyphosate-based weedkillers, currently the most widely used herbicide globally. While not banned in the UK, the use of glyphosate has raised increasing concerns about its potential environmental impacts.

The council say its new approach balances ecological responsibility with the practical realities of maintaining public spaces.

Key points from the approved strategy include:

l Immediate reduction in glyphosate use across council-managed spaces.

l Complete ban on glyphosate in parks and open spaces (except for tackling invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed).

l Increased trials of mechanical weed removal, supported by a £1,900 investment in a mechanical weed-ripping machine from Community Infrastructure Levy funds.

l A switch to a lower-strength glyphosate product (ProActive instead of ProVantage) for limited street use.

l A new community engagement programme to promote biodiversity.