FRIENDS OF THE EARTH AND CUTTING PESTICIDES – NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY
Cutting pesticides: why it matters nationally, and what Leicester Friends of the Earth is doing locally
Across the UK, Friends of the Earth is campaigning to reduce pesticide use because of the harm pesticides can cause to nature and potentially to human health. Pesticides include herbicides (weedkillers), insecticides and fungicides—chemicals designed to kill living organisms. While they are often used to control a specific “problem” species, their impacts can spread further, affecting non-target insects, soil life and the wider food web that supports birds and other wildlife.
A key national focus is the protection of pollinators—bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies and other insects that help plants reproduce. Pollinators are essential not only for wildflowers and healthy ecosystems, but also for many crops. Friends of the Earth argues that a thriving countryside and greener towns depend on reducing routine chemical use and supporting nature’s own balance.
Another major element of the campaign is opposition to continued reliance on neonicotinoid pesticides (“neonics”). Friends of the Earth has repeatedly raised concerns about the environmental risks of these chemicals and campaigns against the use of “emergency authorisations” for pesticides that have been restricted because of their impact on pollinators and biodiversity.
Nationally, Friends of the Earth is pushing for the UK Government to deliver a strong National Action Plan (NAP) on pesticides. The group wants clear, ambitious targets to cut not just the volume of pesticides used but also the overall harm (toxicity) they cause. The aim is to shift away from voluntary, patchy action toward a system with measurable progress and accountability.
Crucially, Friends of the Earth also argues that farmers must be properly supported to make changes. One approach highlighted is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM focuses on prevention first—healthy soils, resilient crops, crop rotations, careful monitoring and encouraging natural predators—using chemical pesticides only when necessary and as a last resort. Done well, IPM can reduce costs, protect wildlife and help farms become more resilient.
Friends of the Earth also works to influence corporate practices, pressuring supermarkets and retailers to improve environmental standards across their supply chains, and encouraging garden centres and product retailers to stop selling pesticides that harm bees and other beneficial insects.
Local action: LEICESTER FRIENDS OF THE EARTH reducing glyphosate in our public spaces
While national policy matters, local decisions shape the places we see every day: parks, pavements, verges and other public green spaces. Leicester Friends of the Earth, with many of its team living in Evington, has been calling on Leicester City Council to stop using glyphosate in parks and public spaces.
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Local campaigners argue that routine weedkiller use in public spaces can contribute to wildlife loss and undermines the goal of making our shared spaces healthier and safer for everyone—including children, dog walkers and residents who simply want more nature in their neighbourhoods.
The pesticide-free pledge: leading by example
Leicester Friends of the Earth is inviting residents to show that change is possible by taking a pesticide-free pledge in their own gardens.
For people who are new to chemical-free gardening, the group offers tips and practical advice. For experienced organic gardeners, signing still helps build visible support.
The group also plans to use pledge signers’ postcodes (without linking them to names) to create a map of pesticide-free gardens across the county—helping demonstrate to the council that Leicestershire residents are ready for parks and public spaces to be managed without routine pesticide use.
If we can garden without pesticides, our councils can too—and our shared spaces, wildlife and communities will be better for it.
