Pesticide-Free Redbridge is a new campaign in 2023, started with several Wanstead Climate Action regulars, to protect local health and nature. See below for the problem and how to help. We also recognise two-way links between climate change and pesticide use and toxicity and the pressing need for more conservation actions in Redbridge. You can download the PDF of this briefing here.
Pesticide-Free Redbridge’s mission
‘Pesticide-Free Redbridge’ is a community-led campaign which aims to encourage and support the London Borough of Redbridge to end the use of pesticides. Pesticides are used to spray our pavements, play areas, estates and tree pits with toxic chemicals, putting our health, wildlife and biodiversity at risk.
Who are we?
We are a volunteer-led consortium of local residents, including community and environmental groups across Redbridge. We share a passion for neighbourhoods which are safe, especially for children, and where biodiversity can thrive.
What is the problem with pesticides?
The London Borough of Redbridge uses two pesticides: glyphosate and Pacaya (flazasulfuron). Glyphosate was described as ‘probably carcinogenic’ by the World Health Organisation in 2015. It is linked to leukaemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, asthma and other chronic health conditions. The manufacturer of Pacaya states that it seriously harms aquatic life, should not be sprayed near shallow-rooted trees or on impermeable surfaces. This suggests that it should not be used on cherry or other shallow-rooted trees, pavements or near road gullies. Pacaya remains in the soil for many months.
Children, pregnant women, the elderly and other vulnerable groups are most at risk. Contractors in Redbridge sometimes spray the wrong spaces, or apply in windy conditions causing it to drift, and have been seen spraying playgrounds while children play nearby.
Pesticides kill plants, worms and other soil-based organisms which are vital sources of food for bees, insects, birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife. Plants absorb carbon and reduce pollutants and flooding. Pesticides, which come from fossil fuel, threaten our biodiversity and limit scope to tackle climate change.
Are pesticides necessary?
Local authorities have a legal duty to keep pavements accessible and clear. However, there are non-chemical methods of controlling weeds, including the removal of invasive plants and managing weeds in tree-pits. Moreover, local authorities also have a duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity by creating local nature recovery strategies.
Many local authorities, cities and even countries have either fully banned or are working towards a ban on pesticides, particularly glyphosate. This includes Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, Hackney, Lambeth, Croydon, about 100 other UK councils, France, Luxembourg and Brussels. Redbridge can learn from their experience. (For more details, download The Case for a Pesticide-Free London.)
So, what can be done?
To achieve a sustainable transition to a pesticide-free borough, multiple challenges call for a variety of solutions. We propose the following:
Create a partnership
We wish to support the London Borough of Redbridge to overcome the challenges and we acknowledge the significant progress it has already made on this journey. Pesticide use in our parks has been greatly reduced. The Climate Action Plan, Biodiversity Action Plan and Green Urban Landscape Policy 2021-2024 all seek to support biodiversity, but the continued use of pesticides undermines these excellent policy commitments. Together we believe the London Borough of Redbridge can transition to a pesticide-free borough in three years, if it commits to this with a clear strategy to work with others, build on successful initiatives, divert existing funds and seek external funding.
Change mindsets:
Help residents understand the benefits of going pesticide-free by:
- Increasing interest in and appreciation of biodiversity in streets, tree pits and verges
- Engaging residents in community planting and weed management – developing the successful Adopt-A-Tree-Pit, Pollinator Pathway and other similar schemes
- Publicising the strategy through local media and other channels
Ensure leadership, networking and support:
- Create a new role for a Biodiversity Officer, who works across departments linking up Community Engagement, Vision and Parks Teams
- Provide skilled and focused support for community planting and weeding schemes
- Initiate a forum for land managers across the borough to encourage participation
Involve schools and young people:
- Create a Schools Biodiversity Programme offering children opportunities to design and care for spaces in local parks or with planters / flower beds at school
- Support schools to integrate community gardening into National Curriculum activities
Review and trial weed management:
- Partner with Pesticide Action Network (PAN) to explore new ways of managing weeds
- Trial pesticide-free options, including those for invasive weeds
- Learn from other local authorities and keep updated on new technologies
- Review pesticide spraying contracts to explore scope to divert funding
What next?
London Borough of Redbridge
- Commit to working towards being pesticide-free by 2026
- Schedule a meeting in autumn 2023 with the Pesticide-Free Redbridge, PAN and representatives of other local bodies to identify actions for Year 1 of the journey forward
Pesticide-Free Redbridge
- Commit to supporting the work of the local authority, by seeking external funding and engaging the wider public, generating publicity and support for a pesticide-free borough.
We know councillors and officers are committed to greater biodiversity and a greener, healthier borough. Let’s work together to achieve our shared goals for Redbridge.
For more information contact Pesticide-Free Redbridge at pesticidefreeredbridge@btinternet.com or on Facebook.
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