Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide: it kills plants, especially annual broad-leaf weeds and grasses, by inhibiting enzymes. It was developed by global corporate Monsanto and traded from the mid-1970s under the brand name Roundup. Over the next four decades it became the leading weed-killer in US agriculture and has been heavily used also in horticulture, residential gardens and urban environments. Worldwide distribution followed, including wide application in the UK in both rural and urban settings. 

There have been conflicting health studies as to whether glyphosate is carcinogenic in humans. Recent US class actions have been successfully brought against Monsanto on this basis. Although the European Union has not outlawed use, it is now being banned or phased out by government authorities in several member states. In the UK, more than 40 local councils have issued banning orders.

Green Party claim:
Glyphosate is a danger to human and animal health

From early last year Hastings Borough Council (HBC) agreed with its estate contractors Idverde that they should cease the use of glyphosate in parks and open spaces. They are said to use instead a plant-based herbicide, Katoun Gold, on shrub borders, rose borders and hard-standing areas in the parks of the town, while flower beds, seasonal borders and rockeries are hand-weeded. Katoun Gold is described as “a natural plant-based chemical known as pelargonic acid. It is a natural fatty acid-based weed-killer found in geraniums. It is biodegradable and is not mutagenic.”

This herbicide is not, however, effective on deep-rooted plants such as Japanese knotweed. Idverde will revert to glyphosate in such cases with the approval of HBC, though the occurrence of knotweed in Hastings is said to be minimal.

The roadways and footpaths of Hastings are, on the other hand, maintained not by Idverde but by East Sussex County Council (ESCC). Their spokesperson said: “We currently carry out one weed spray a year on channels and footpaths in Hastings using glyphosate. The spraying is carefully controlled and limited in use to only where weeds are present. We continue to look for alternativae methods of controlling weeds, but these are currently limited.”

Hastings and Rye Green Party have launched a petition to ESCC urging a ban on glyphosate-spraying along Hastings roadsides and green spaces. They claim not only that glyphosate is a danger to human and animal health but that the current method of spraying from a mini-tractor is in any case ineffective against persistent weeds. The petition also calls for delaying spraying, if it is to continue, until after flowering has occurred. 

Over 1,200 signatures have been collected so far towards a target of 1,600 needed to spur a council debate.

• For the full petition, see actionnetwork.org/petitions/ban-the-use-of-glyphosate-along-hastings-roadsides-and-green-spaces?source=facebook&

Read a GLYPHOSATE – A Witness Report here

Unaware of the existence of the Green party petition, I saw in late May a weed-spraying vehicle being driven up Tackleway in Hastings Old Town. I was surprised when the driver asked: “Is there a problem?”, adding: “I saw you take a photograph; if you want, you can ask for me to take this road off of the job sheet.” 

I replied that such a decision would not be up to me. At that moment a couple (man and woman) approached, and the driver asked them whether or not they wanted him to take Tackleway off his job sheet.

Left to right: Wall at Tackleway prior to spraying, Section of wall cleared by local residents, Sprayed section of wall

“No, we don’t – we’ve just had to clear all that”. They pointed to a stretch of the road which had been cleared of weeds  and, as can be seen from the photograph, they had done it thoroughly.

But why would anyone during a pandemic lockdown take it upon themselves to clear plants from a roadside verge and stone wall? Particularly since the wall is arguably within the Hastings Country Park SSSI, in which case clearing of plants from between stones in the wall would be illegal.

The north end of Tackleway had not been cleared at that point. The species that remained were wild garlic, harebell, angelica, greater plantain, cow parsley, wild geranium and grasses. These weeds are attractive to insects and of benefit to biodiversity – known to some as wildflowers. 

The spraying proceeded. It seems to take up to two or three weeks for glyphosate to take full effect – but effective it is. Those flowers, and all other plant life on and around the wall, were dead by mid-June. 

• Read Weeds, Wildflowers, Glyphosate – And A Petition here

“Uncut grass allows nectar-producing flowers to flourish and feed the pollinating insects that are such an essential part of our ecosystem,” says a recent council press release.

Councillor Maya Evans, cabinet lead on climate change and biodiversity added, “Small actions like this make a huge difference to help tackle climate change, and by taking part in ‘No Mow May’, you’re doing nature a massive favour.”

PICTURE: Dave Young

Postings on Facebook and ‘Next Door’ pointed to apparent policy contradictions. 

“Great idea,” said Chris Hurrell, “shame HBC’s sub contractors have just mown all the grass on the East Hill. As usual they have decimated wildflowers across the Country Park. I assume they did not receive the memo?” 

Grass was also cut in St Leonards Park at the same time. “They’ve just cut all the verges where I live,” revealed Rebecca Boston, and Cuz Annetts added, “Council just mowed Warrior Square and the Marina Seafront”.

Locals took to HIP’s Facebook page expressing concern when pavement weeds were sprayed at the same time. East Sussex County Council is responsible for walkways (and roads) maintenance in Hastings. 

“They have some nerve. Asking for this [No Mow May] when they’re spraying the verges with glyphosate. How hypocritical,“ wrote Cheryl Bell. “There’s no coordination between the two councils and HBC is just as guilty [and] needs to stop ESCC poisoning our land.” 

An HBC spokesman said, “We’ve left areas within our parks and open spaces unmaintained for wildlife to flourish and wildflowers to grow naturally and allow to set seed to encourage wild flowers for the following year. Some of our areas are maintained twice a year during spring and late summer to allow wild plants to flourish. However, due to Covid-19 there has been a delay with the first scheduled cut, with the contractor starting these works six weeks later than planned. Areas still to be cut will first be checked for signs of wild flowers and wildlife and, if required, mowing will be delayed until late summer to allow wild flowers to mature. Many of our areas are well maintained, as longer grass can trap litter and can lead to dog fouling issues. 

“This year due to the pandemic we will be substituting bedding plants in a lot of areas with annual flower seed mixes and perennials which will attract pollinating insects. Look out for these areas and other areas around town, including our Local Nature Areas where wildlife thrives.”