Ask your council to go pesticide-free

In 2024, UK councils reported using 354 tonnes of pesticides, roughly the equivalent of 23 double decker buses.  

The vast majority of these chemicals are herbicides (weedkillers). They are used in public spaces including parks, playgrounds and playing fields, and on pavements and housing estates, largely for cosmetic purposes.  

While great progress has been made over the last decade, the majority of UK councils continue to apply toxic pesticides in areas where we live, work and play.  

Urban pesticide use is unnecessary and should be phased out as soon as possible to protect human health and the environment.   

Send a quick email to your councillors telling them that you want your local public spaces to be pesticide-free.