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Cornwall Wildlife Trust calls for more time for local councils on weed spraying proposals

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has called on Cornwall Council to delay the planned reintroduction of glyphosate based weedkillers and extend decision making deadlines for Town and Parish Councils, following proposals to reintroduce their use on urban highways across Cornwall.

Town and Parish Councils were given short notice that glyphosate spraying could resume shortly on roads and pavements, unless they formally opt out. Councils are being asked to make decisions with significant environmental, financial and governance implications within a matter of weeks. 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall’s local wildlife charity, has written formally to Cornwall Council requesting that plans are delayed, and that the current opt out deadlines are extended and replaced with a timetable that better supports local consultation and due diligence. 

Cheryl Marriott, Director of Nature and People at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says:  

“Town and Parish Councils simply haven’t been given enough time to consider these proposals properly. There is growing evidence that glyphosate use can be harmful to wildlife, particularly invertebrates and freshwater species. Decisions of this scale, and potential impact on the environment, need to be made transparently and with community consultation.” 

pavement plants grow by the side of the road in Cornwall

The Trust has raised concerns over the compressed timescales, the potential impacts of glyphosates on biodiversity, and the apparent misalignment with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy, which has a commitment to protect and enhance nature. 

“Reinstating glyphosate use feels like a significant backwards step, and the way this has been done limits the opportunities for Parish and Town Councils to investigate less damaging alternatives. Taking a little more time now would allow councils to meet properly, understand the implications for their areas, and hear from local residents,” said Cheryl. 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is also encouraging members of the public who are concerned about the issue to engage constructively by attending their local Town or Parish Council meetings and supporting calls for a fairer timetable.  

 

Green Party Petition

Redruth Town Council Petition

Frequently Asked Questions: Cornwall Council Weed Management Proposals

We know there are lots of questions around glyphosate use, what it is and the potential risks to wildlife so we've put together frequently asked questions to help. 

What is Cornwall Council proposing?

Cornwall Council is proposing to reintroduce the use of glyphosate‑based weedkillers on urban roads, pavements, kerb lines and hard surfaces across Cornwall. Routine spraying stopped in 2013, and this would mark a return after more than a decade.  

Where would glyphosate be used?

According to Cornwall Council, spraying would be limited to ‘hard surfaces such as kerb lines, channels and pavements areas where weeds are visible’. 

The Council has stated it does not intend to spray grass verges, planted areas or wider green spaces, except where legally required for invasive species control. 

When would spraying take place?

Cornwall Council has indicated two treatment windows each year: 

May–June and August–September 

This would be part of a proposed three‑year “recovery phase”..

What role do Town and Parish Councils have?

Town and Parish Councils are opted in by default. To avoid spraying in their area, councils must formally opt out by a set deadline (20 April 2026) and meet a number of requirements, including: 

  • delivering equivalent standards
  • taking on complaints and liability
  • producing a full delivery plan and holding insurance 

Funding provided only covers the notional cost of spraying (around £343 per km per year), not labour or waste removal.  

Why are Town and Parish Councils concerned about the process?

Many councils were notified at very short notice and face an opt‑out deadline that: 

  • falls before their next Full Council meeting
  • does not allow time for proper consideration, public discussion or scrutiny 

Several councils have said the timetable risks undermining local democratic decision‑making. 

What is Cornwall Wildlife Trust concerned about?

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has concerns about: 

  • the compressed decision‑making timescales
  • the potential impacts of glyphosate on biodiversity
  • the apparent conflict with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) 

The LNRS is a statutory strategy that requires public bodies not just to protect, but to enhance nature.  

Why does the Nature Recovery Strategy matter here?

The LNRS: 

  • calls for reducing chemical use
  • prioritises pollinator protection
  • highlights the need to prevent chemical pollution of soils, verges and waterways
  • promotes nature‑friendly management of towns and villages 

Routine herbicide use on roads and pavements sits in tension with several of these priorities, even though glyphosate is not named explicitly. 

Is glyphosate illegal?

No. Glyphosate is currently permitted for use in the UK. 
However, legality is not the only consideration. Public bodies are also required to demonstrate policy alignment, environmental responsibility and good decision‑making. 

Why is biodiversity a concern if spraying is “targeted”?

Even targeted use of glyphosate is associated in scientific literature with: 

  • harm to soil microbes and fungi
  • knock‑on impacts up the food chain (insects, birds, mammals)
  • increased contamination of drains and waterways through runoff 

Plants growing in kerb lines often provide important nectar and habitat for pollinators, especially in towns where green space is limited.  

What about rivers, streams and the coast?

The Nature Recovery Strategy identifies pollution from roads and built areas as a major pressure on rivers, estuaries and marine ecosystems. 

This is particularly relevant in locations where runoff flows directly into: 

  • rivers and streams
  • coastal waters 

Targeted spraying does not remove this risk.  

Are there alternatives to glyphosate?

Yes. Guidance from organisations including the Wildlife Trusts, Buglife, Plantlife and PAN UK highlights: 

  • integrated, phased reduction approaches
  • tolerance of some urban vegetation
  • non‑chemical and low‑chemical methods used successfully by other councils 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is not arguing for a single solution, but for proper consideration of alternatives.  

What has Cornwall Wildlife Trust done so far?

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has: 

  • written formally to Cornwall Council requesting that use of glyphosate based weedkiller is delayed
  • asked that there is an extension to decision‑making deadlines
  • called for the time extension to be used for proper consultation and engagement.
  • shared information with Town and Parish Councils, members and the public 

What can members of the public do?

If you are concerned, you can: 

  • attend or contact your local Town or Parish Council to express your views - find more info here
  • support calls for a fairer timetable, including signing the petitions linked above
  • stay informed through our website updates 

Where can I learn more?

This Glyphosate myth buster from the Pesticide Action Network UK is a great source of information.

There's lots of information about Action for Insects from The Wildlife Trusts here, which includes more information about alternatives to weedkillers. 

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