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Fury in Cornwall over herbicide plan to tackle weeds
TL;DR
Cornwall's council plans to use glyphosate herbicide to manage roadside weeds, sparking public outcry. Thousands have protested, citing risks to humans, animals, and local ecosystems.
Key points
- Cornwall plans to use glyphosate herbicide for roadside weeds
- Public protests and petitions against the herbicide plan
- Concerns about risks to humans, animals, and ecosystems
- Council cabinet includes Liberal Democrats and independents
Cornwall is famed for its glorious gardens and verdant landscapes but a bitter row has broken out over a plan to tackle a less glamorous type of vegetation – roadside weeds.
The unitary authority has announced plans to use the controversial herbicide glyphosate to tidy up pavements and kerbsides, after largely phasing out its use over the last decade amid concerns about potential harm to humans and the peninsula’s rich ecosystems.
Thousands of people have signed petitions against the scheme and on Tuesday dozens of protesters converged on county hall in Truro for a demonstration before a meeting at which the issue was debated.
They claimed using the herbicide could put people and animals, particularly bees, at risk and harm beloved beauty spots including the surfing beaches of the north and winding river systems of the south.
In addition, many argued that the council cabinet, run by the Liberal Democrats and independents, was misguided to target weeds, claiming there was huge value in the humble dandelions, daisies and wild garlic that could be eradicated.
“It’s a retrograde step. I’m furious,” said Nichola Andersen, a beekeeper, who turned up in her protective suit and held up a sign reading “Bees need weeds”.
Another beekeeper, Oliver Baines, said: “Other places across the country are moving away from glyphosate. We’re going the opposite way. Anyway, they aren’t weeds – they are wildflowers and the bees love them.”
Oliver Baines, Nichola Andersen (right) and another protester in beekeeper suits. Photograph: Karen Robinson/The Guardian
Lesley Fitt, who was wearing a gas mask to make her point, said: “The dangers of glyphosate are well known. Nature needs weeds. They’re an important part of the cycle of life.”
Marianne Daysh sported floppy ears to highlight her belief that glyphosate could harm mammals such as rabbits and hedgehogs. She said: “My grandchildren pick wildflowers for me. What if they’re covered in weedkiller?”
Some smaller Cornish councils have said they will go it alone and find other ways of tackling weeds. The town council in Penryn, near Falmouth, plans to organise groups of volunteers to keep the pavements clear without using glyphosate. Redruth town council is aiming for the same sort of community effort and one resident has suggested a “community goat” might help keep unwanted vegetation down.
Q&A
What is the controversy surrounding glyphosate use in Cornwall?
The controversy stems from plans to use glyphosate herbicide to manage roadside weeds, which many believe poses risks to human health and local ecosystems.
How have residents in Cornwall responded to the herbicide plan?
Residents have responded with significant opposition, including thousands signing petitions and protests at county hall in Truro.
What are the potential environmental impacts of using glyphosate in Cornwall?
Using glyphosate could harm local wildlife, particularly bees, and damage cherished natural areas like beaches and river systems.
Which political group is leading the herbicide plan in Cornwall?
The herbicide plan is being led by the council cabinet, which is primarily composed of Liberal Democrats and independents.
