The use of glyphosate-based weedkillers in all general maintenance of our parks, open spaces and hedgerows will come to an end from 1 April.

The use of herbicides has a significant impact on the environment by removing plants that are an important source of food for a variety of native insects. This move supports the commitments to protect our environment in the climate emergency declaration we agreed in 2019.

The use of glyphosate for routine weed management is now banned across all our parks and open spaces, play parks, around West Mersea beach huts, closed churchyards, as well as the highway verges we look after.

An exception will be made for the treatment of some invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed, which are a serious threat to biodiversity. With these invasive species, the chemical is safely injected into the plant.

These changes are being made to encourage greater biodiversity in our green spaces. Part of this work includes changes to the grass cutting regime in areas around Castle Park to create wildflower verges. These steps all benefit pollinators and other insects, which are hugely important to our eco-system, including the regulation of the natural environment and the food system.

Colchester’s Climate Emergency Response

• July 2019 - Climate Emergency Declared
• September 2019 - 57% less chewing gum on town centre streets
• October 2019 - Joint top climate friendly area in East of England
• October 2019 - Clean Air for Colchester survey with residents, schools and businesses
• November 2019 - Commit to end the use of glyphosate weed killer
• January 2020 - 40% reduction in carbon emissions
• January 2020 - Climate Emergency Action Plan published
• February 2020 - 10,000+ trees given out
• February 2020 - Phasing out of plastics in Council operations
• March 2020 - 4,486 trees planted in 19/20 for the Woodland Project
• May 2020 - Received funding for 25 electric cargo bikes
• June 2020 - Colchester Orbital maps produced
• April 2021 - Stopped using glyphosate-based weed killers in general maintenance