Chemical-free survey

From November 2025, we’ll be trialling a more nature friendly way of managing our land by no longer using glyphosate-based weedkiller. Glyphosate, which can be found in products such as Roundup, is the most commonly used chemical-weedkiller, however it can be harmful to the environment and biodiversity by removing plants which local wildlife rely on.  

We’ll be carrying out a year-long trial, to help us understand the impact this will have and explore alternative ways of managing weeds which are not harmful to the community or the environment.

As part of our Biodiversity Plan, we’ve committed to phasing out the use of harmful chemicals for supressing weeds by 2030 and start using alternative methods such as manual removal and/or organic or vinegar-based weedkiller alternatives such as Katoun Gold.

Weeds can be defined as a plant growing in the wrong place, and so we understand this trial will create areas with more weeds. With this in mind, our Grounds Maintenance team will focus on ensuring health and safety issues such as trip hazards or visibility issues are addressed during each visit.

Whilst glyphosate is currently licensed for use in the UK until December 2026, it has been banned in a number of countries and its use is likely to be restricted or even banned in the UK over the coming years. Therefore, this project is essential to us all learning to live with weeds – in the right places.