Local green spaces go herbicide free

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to improving and enhancing green spaces for local communities and native wildlife.

Conscious of the need to reduce, replace, and where possible completely eliminate the use of herbicides, Council has committed to significantly reducing herbicide usage over the next three years.

Mayor Cllr Maureen Morrow said: “Keen to improve our environment for wildlife and human health and wellbeing, we have committed to significantly reducing herbicide usage over the next three years.

“A number of sites including Bashfordsland Wood Carrickfergus, Diamond Jubilee Wood Whitehead and Ecos Nature Park Ballymena, are now officially herbicide free as of 1 April. As well as this, herbicide usage will be significantly reduced across all green spaces across in the borough.

“There is perhaps no such thing as a weed, just ‘misunderstood flowers’. Dandelions are a great example.

“They are one of the most unpopular so-called ‘weeds’ but have great value for people and wildlife. Dandelion’s peak flowering time is from late March to May, when many bees and other pollinators emerge from hibernation, so they are an essential food source for bees and pollinators at this time.

“I would encourage public support for this initiative and hope residents will accept some areas looking a little more wild than usual.”

Herbicide-free urban meadows and grasslands may seem a little untidy, but are a haven for bees, butterfly and other wildlife.

Why not consider going herbicide free in your own garden or allotment?

Council aim to provide education around organic gardening as part of this programme and some useful tips can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/biodiversity

Council may continue to use herbicides for the control of invasive species across the borough, until greener alternatives are found.

Remember, when using public parks and green spaces for exercise, please continue to follow social distancing guidelines by staying two metres away from another person not from your own household.

Continue to wash your hands frequently and please do not visit our parks and green spaces if you or a member of your household has any Coronavirus symptoms.