Westgate to go Glyphosate Free as Gloucester’s First ‘No-Spray’ Ward

Although glyphosate is considered safe and legal in the very small quantities used by local authorities, its application removes plants that provide vital food sources for insects already under pressure from urbanisation, the loss of front gardens, light pollution, and global warming.

The new Westgate No‑Spray Zone will run as a one‑year trial from March 2026 to March 2027.

During this period, no routine chemical weed removal will take place in the ward. The trial will assess how the absence of chemical spraying affects the appearance and character of local streets and whether this approach could be expanded across the wider city.

Mechanical street‑cleansing equipment may still be used where necessary, but interventions will remain minimal. The trial is designed to better understand both the benefits and challenges of allowing more natural plant growth in urban areas.

At the end of the trial, a full report and recommendations will be presented to Councillors to inform future decisions on city‑wide weed‑management practices.

You can find out more about the Council’s plans to cut glyphosate use here.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Sebastian Field said:

“We set out in 2025 with a clear ambition to halve the use of glyphosate across the city. Having successfully met that target, we are now ready to move into the next phase of the Gloucester Glyphosate Reduction Strategy. This new trial, which will end routine herbicide spraying in Westgate Ward, represents a landmark moment for Gloucester—the first time in decades that an entire ward will go spray‑free.

“I would like to thank Westgate Ward Councillors Trimnell, Tracey, and Hyman for their strong support and collaboration. I look forward to working closely with them throughout the trial to maximise the environmental benefits of increased plant growth on our streets, while continuing to reduce chemical spraying and ensuring that our public spaces remain welcoming and well‑maintained.”

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Westgate Ward, said:

"I am delighted that Westgate will be the first ward in Gloucester, and one of only a few in the country, to eliminate all routine use of chemical weed removal practices over the next year. 

“As a Councillor representing a city ward with much footfall and activity, reducing chemical use by the Council, even when deemed safe by the government, is high priority for me. I am hopeful that the results of this trial in Westgate will give the Council the confidence it requires to radically reduce chemical ‘weed’ removal treatments elsewhere in the city.”

Councillor Pam Tracey, Westgate Ward, said:

“Westgate is a diverse ward, with Gloucester Park, St Oswald's Priory, and now the new Forum attracting many tourists to spots that we would like to ensure are as weed killer free as possible. 

"This trial shows good cross-party working. If it works and is cost-effective then it's a win-win for both residents and the natural environment". 

Councillor Howard Hyman, Westgate Ward, said:

“I am proud that Westgate Ward is able to lead on this important trial, from which I hope we can learn more about environmentally sustainable methods of weed control that help support local insect populations while maintaining an attractive public realm.”

* The City Council reserves the right to use glyphosate in isolated circumstances in Westgate Ward during the trial period, such as if plant growth presents obstructions to the visually or mobility impaired, or in the case of invasive and/or toxic plant identification, as per the Gloucester Glyphosate Reduction Strategy, which can be found here. Residents should continue to inform the Council of weed/plant growth via the Fix My Street app or directly via Westgate Ward Councillors.