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Grass cutting and weed spraying

We DO NOT cut grass that is:
  • privately owned

We WILL cut grass on all District Council owned land such as;

Weed spraying

Weed management in the district

We are committed to reducing herbicide use while keeping public spaces safe, clean, and environmentally healthy.

Where and why we use herbicides

Herbicides are only used where absolutely necessary, including:

  • Paths, fences, benches, and hard surfaces
  • Sites affected by invasive or harmful plant species

We do not spray near play areas or within fenced park spaces.

When and how we spray

  • Herbicides are only used in key areas that need managing.
  • Spraying is done early in the season when the weather is dry and calm.
  • We usually spray twice a year.

This protects pollinators and reduces herbicide drift

Sustainable alternatives

We already have:

  • Natural corridors left for pollinators and wildlife
  • Cattle grazing on nature reserves

We have tested non-chemical alternatives but so far they have not been practical due to high costs and limited effectiveness — but we continue to explore new options.

Harmful weeds we must control

Some species pose risks to people, animals, and infrastructure:

  • Giant hogweed – can cause serious skin burns
  • Japanese knotweed – spreads quickly and damages property
  • Ragwort – toxic to livestock

Herbicides remain the most reliable way to control these plants for now.

Reviewing and improving our approach

We review herbicide use annually, including:

  • Studying best practices from other councils
  • Trialling alternatives
  • Monitoring environmental impact

Our ongoing commitment

We are working toward a greener, more pollinator-friendly district. Responsible weed management helps us protect both people and the planet.

Our responsibility is to keep our district safe, clean, and looking good. We are committed to this and will continue to assess the situation regarding weed management on an ongoing basis.

Japanese Knotweed

Responsibility for controlling Japanese Knotweed rests with the landowner or occupier of the land. We take appropriate action when Japanese Knotweed is found on the land and open spaces we manage.  This involves minimising the risk of it spreading and aiming to eradicate it in line with good practice. 

Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9, Part II of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 making it an offence Under Section 14 (2) (a) of the Act to “plant or otherwise cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild”. The Environment Agency Knotweed Code of Practice states: “It is not an offence to have Knotweed on your land and it is not a notifiable weed”. It is generally thought that private land and in particular gardens do not come within the definition of wild. However, allowing it to spread from your garden may be an offence.

Getting rid of Japanese Knotweed

The 'Environmental Protection Act 1990' classes discarded weed or soil which contained rhizomes as 'controlled waste' to which the Duty of Care applies.

Soil containing rhizomes can be regarded as contaminated land and as such has to be disposed of at a suitably licensed landfill site. When disposing of the material the landfill operator needs to be aware of the presence of the Knotweed to ensure it is buried appropriately. 

It is recommended that you do not try to cut the weed down, mow or strim it. This can make it spread. 

Japanese Knotweed cannot be placed in any of your bins or be taken to a recycling centre. It must be disposed of as 'controlled waste' because of how easily it spreads. It must not be composted.

Government Guidance explains how to control and dispose of Japanese Knotweed through chemical spraying and burning.

Raising concerns about Japanese Knotweed

Please contact us if you think Japanese Knotweed is growing on our land or open spaces. We take responsibility for managing our land seriously, but do not have the resources to assess knotweed on land that we are not responsible for. If you believe that the weed is on your neighbour’s land and is, or is at risk of, spreading to your land, then you should consider what steps to take.

If you haven’t already done so, we recommend that you try to speak with your neighbour as they may not realise it is an issue. If this doesn’t help, then you may be able to take private action against them and you should take independent advice from citizens advice bureau or a solicitor about doing so.

Further information can be obtained by using these links:

GOV.UK guidance on preventing Japanese Knotweed from spreading

Local Gov website advice on tackling a growing problem - Japanese Knotweed

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