Pesticides and peat-free

Pesticides

In line with our commitment to "A13. Promote the increase of wild verges across the Borough and reduce pesticide use (including glyphosate)", we have:

• lobbied for a reduction in pesticide and glyphosate use across the county
• shared our knowledge on poison reduction with our counterparts in a climate action webinar
• investigated emerging alternative solutions to pesticide use, including the electric eWeeding Roller system

In the past year, Maidstone Borough Council and it's contractors have reduced our pesticide use to emergency-only application, which totalled less the 5L across the year. Emergency use includes invasive non-native species removal, such as Japanese Knotweed, or where this is a risk to public health, such as rodent infestations. In these scenarios, we ensure we take the best action to balance risks, such as the consideration of cumulative rodenticide to reduce the risk of wider food chain impacts.

If you have any concerns about unauthorisd applications of pesticides on Maidstone Borough Council sites , please contact  climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk

Please note, highways and verges are managed by Kent County Council, who can be contacted at cscomplaints@kent.gov.uk

Peat Free

Inline with our commitment to 'A14. Promote peat-free practice through engagement with landowners, community groups, and conservation organisations to demonstrate the environmental impact.' We have:

• distributed 96 bags of peat free compost through gardening networks
• lobbied for peat free practice within the County
• created and distributed peat-free educational materials via gardening networks and our newsletter
• Distributed over 20 hot composting bins across the Borough
• Delivered multiple composting workshops in partnership with Communigrow