WIMBORNE Extinction Rebellion (XR) members delivered a wheelbarrow of postcards to the leader of Dorset Council as part of wider calls for an end to glyphosate-based weedkillers and other toxic chemicals used on Dorset’s pavements and roads.

The postcards were delivered to councillor Nick Ireland at County Hall in Dorchester on July 22 by the Pink Rebels of Wimborne XR.

Many of the postcards were written and signed by members of the public during an outreach event in Wimborne on 12 July.

Campaigners said many people were unaware that glyphosate is still being sprayed and were shocked to learn of its risks to human health and wildlife.

“Glyphosate is linked to cancer, Parkinson’s disease and endocrine disruption,” said local campaigner Peter Aldous. “It harms bees, butterflies and birds and it’s turning up in our water, our food and even our bodies.”

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Picture: Wimborne XR

Dorset Council declared a nature emergency in 2024 but has yet to set a date for ending toxic chemical spraying. Campaigners say that’s not good enough.

“There are safer alternatives, and many towns and regions have already gone pesticide-free,” said campaigner Sonja Glass. “Dorset Council needs to act now and commit to a clear transition plan by July 2027.”

Alongside the postcards, the group delivered a letter setting out how Dorset Council can achieve a transition away from toxic chemical spraying:

• Adopt the Pesticide Action Network UK three-year plan and report progress publicly.
• Set a clear end date for glyphosate and toxic chemical use – in two years given that an unspecified “trial” is already underway.
• Publish details of the current trial: where, how and when
• Stop spraying immediately in sensitive areas: near homes, schools, parks and wildlife.

Picture: Wimborne XR

Council says “glyphosate not ideal”

Dorset Council said that it is committed to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the safety and integrity of the highway network.

It said it has reduced the use of glyphosate by 40% this year.

“We manage over 2,400 miles of roads, and weed growth can cause significant damage to sealed surfaces, leading to cracks, potholes and costly repairs,” a spokesperson said.

“To address this, we take a balanced and proactive approach. Our teams regularly use road sweeping vehicles to clear gutters and remove the debris that encourages weed growth. This preventative measure helps reduce the need for chemical treatments.

“Where sweeping alone is not sufficient, however, we apply a glyphosate-based herbicide in a highly targeted, spot-spraying method — only where weeds are visibly present and weather conditions are suitable. This is done just once a year, between 1 June and 24 August, to minimise environmental impact.

“We recognise that glyphosate is not ideal. That’s why we’ve reduced the scheduled application of glyphosate by 40% this year compared to last, and we are actively trialling alternative weed control methods to find alternative solutions.

“Our goal is to strike the right balance between protecting biodiversity and ensuring our roads remain safe and serviceable for all users. We will continue to monitor and adapt our approach as alternatives become available.”