Use of Pesticides

The Committee have been contacted by Faversham Town Council (FTC) regarding the use of Glyphosate weedkiller on the Millfield Allotments site.

As part of 'Pesticide Free Faversham', the town's allotment spaces are pesticide free areas. More information can be found on the town council's website: Faversham Achieves Pesticide-Free Town Status - Faversham Town Council 

The topic of using weedkiller has been brought up at various Committee and Open Meetings with mixed opinions on its use. The Committee have been asked by FTC to ensure all plot holders are aware of the rules on not using pesticides.

The term pesticides includes: insecticides, herbicides (inc. weedkiller), fungicides and rodenticides.

Use of chemical pesticides:

As the landowner, FTC sets the conditions for what may be used on its land. Under the site rules and tenancy agreement, the use of pesticides (including weedkillers) is not permitted on Millfield Allotments. It is worth noting that FTC can conduct their own site inspections in addition to our own plot inspections if they see fit.

Actions taken:

• The Committee request the immediate end to the use of chemical pesticides on Millfield Allotments (and any adjacent spaces).

• Using chemical pesticides puts any plot holder in breach of their tenancy agreement and can lead to the loss of their plot.

• Signs have been placed around the site to remind users of this.

  
  

Possible alternatives:

On behalf of plot holders, the Committee are currently investigating alternative 'natural options' which we are putting to FTC for approval and asking for recommendations on its use and the timings of its use. We will update plot holders on the progress of this as soon as possible.

There are many websites with natural remedies for many garden pests. Gardening without pesticides - Pesticide Action Network UK

For now, it’s time to sharpen those hoes as hand weeding remains the safest way of getting rid of weeds.

Thank you for your cooperation