Gloucester is poised to embrace a comprehensive Urban Greening Strategy aimed at increasing greenery to combat climate change and its related challenges, such as extreme weather events like flooding and heatwaves. The strategy, slated for discussion at the upcoming City Council cabinet meeting, focuses on planting more street trees, installing green roofs, hedgerows, and green screens—particularly in the city’s most deprived areas where tree coverage is currently limited.
A significant component of the plan involves gradually phasing out the use of glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller used sparingly across Gloucester. Although applied in small quantities, glyphosate can adversely affect insect populations and biodiversity by eliminating essential plant life. Furthermore, if ingested in large amounts, it may pose health risks to small mammals and household pets. The council intends to review this phase-out regularly and consider resident feedback, with a proposal to cease spraying in high-traffic areas like the city center where weed growth is minimal.
Nevertheless, glyphosate will still be deployed selectively to manage invasive and hazardous plants such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed. The urban greening plan also explores innovative solutions like rainwater gardens designed to capture excess surface water, easing pressure on sewers during heavy rainfall.
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This initiative builds upon Gloucester’s existing Climate Change Strategy, which aims for the council to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality across the district by 2045. It follows successful efforts to expand green spaces, including the creation of 153 acres of meadows and naturalized areas in Gloucester and its surroundings.
Political leaders across parties have expressed varying perspectives on the strategy. Conservative Group Leader Stephanie Chambers praised the continuation of green initiatives, highlighting efforts like the green wall at the Forum car park and the introduction of manual weed removal machines as effective, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical treatments. She emphasized the need for tangible results beyond strategic plans.
Labour Group Leader Terry Pullen called the strategy ambitious and long overdue, urging the City Council to transition from planning to action by securing adequate resources and delivering measurable outcomes.
Meanwhile, Community Independent Group Leader Alastair Chambers criticized the ongoing glyphosate use, pointing to international bans and restrictions in countries such as France, Germany, and Austria. He accused the current administration of disregarding scientific concerns and prioritizing lesser issues over environmental protection.
Environment Cabinet Member Sebastian Field acknowledged public concerns over glyphosate and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to phasing it out. He highlighted urban greening’s broader benefits, including mitigating extreme weather effects, enhancing mental health, reducing pollution, and improving community safety.
If approved, the Gloucester Urban Greening Strategy will initiate multiple projects over the next year, aiming to make the city greener, healthier, and more resilient to climate challenges.