Norfolk set to cut use of weedkiller

A new policy set to cut the use of weedkiller on highway areas, schools, care homes and county farms comes before Cabinet next week.

The draft glyphosate and weed management policy, developed over the past months by a dedicated working group is on the agenda. The new policy includes pledges to minimise or eliminate the use of glyphosate products wherever possible, and to review and adopt viable new methods of weed management as they become available.

Cllr Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: "This policy strikes a careful balance between safety, and weed control and environmental protection. Our aim is to cut herbicide use as far as possible on roads and paths, and to work with schools, care homes, county farms and other local authorities to encourage them to adopt management techniques that find that same balance.

"We have a raft of work underway to support pollinators by boosting number of roadside nature reserves, and we heard last week about plans to set up 5 study areas as a blueprint for new reserves and nature and wildlife friendly verge management across the county.

"We will also continue to take advantage of the world beating local expertise we have on our doorstep, at the UEA and John Innes Centre to ensure we can be aware of and consider new management techniques as they come along."

The county council will offer guidance and support to County Farms tenants around herbicide use, using recent learning from the Wild Ken Hill farming operation.

Cabinet will meet at 10am on Monday, 30 January, the papers for the meeting are available on our website.