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Glyphosate Use in the UK

July 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Glyphosate Use in the UK With a GB consultation on glyphosate imminent, and growing pressure from a small cohort creating public debate about the future of vegetation management, it is important that discussions remain balanced, evidence-based and focused on practical outcomes. For the Amenity Forum, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) must remain at the heart of […]

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

July 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety On farms, there’s no such thing as ‘just a quick ride’ as every journey on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), whether across the yard or out in the field carries risk. As Farm Safety Week encourages the industry to put safety first, the message from Can-Am is clear; responsible riding is […]

Glyphosate Use in the UK

July 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

July 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Glyphosate Use in the UK

July 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Glyphosate Use in the UK

With a GB consultation on glyphosate imminent, and growing pressure from a small cohort creating public debate about the future of vegetation management, it is important that discussions remain balanced, evidence-based and focused on practical outcomes. For the Amenity Forum, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) must remain at the heart of future decision-making across the amenity sector.

Glyphosate Use in the UK

Recent media coverage and ongoing discussions about glyphosate have once again brought vegetation management in amenity settings into the spotlight. Public interest in how we manage our parks, highways, rail corridors, housing estates, sports facilities and public open spaces is both understandable and welcome. These spaces play an important role in our communities and there is growing expectation that they should be managed in ways that protect biodiversity, minimise environmental impact and contribute to wider sustainability goals.

However, the debate can sometimes become polarised, framed as a simple choice between chemical and non-chemical approaches. The reality is far more complex. The amenity sector is incredibly diverse. The challenges faced by a local authority managing thousands of miles of pavement are very different from those faced by a golf course, sports club, rail operator, utility company or housing provider. What they have in common is a responsibility to maintain spaces that are safe, accessible, functional and sustainable. This is where Integrated Pest Management plays a vital role.

IPM is often misunderstood as simply reducing pesticide use. In practice, it is about making evidence-based, site-specific and proportionate decisions. It encourages managers to consider a range of approaches, including prevention, design, maintenance practices, monitoring, mechanical control and biological solutions, before deciding whether intervention is required and, if so, what form that intervention should take. Importantly, IPM is not about replacing one tool with another. It is about understanding the strengths and limitations of all available options and selecting the most appropriate combination for a particular situation.

Across the amenity sector, many organisations are already making significant progress. Herbicide use is being reduced through targeted application, improved mapping technologies, revised maintenance regimes and greater tolerance of low-risk vegetation where appropriate. The sector is increasingly focused on justifying treatment decisions rather than relying on routine applications. Training, operator competence and record keeping are also becoming increasingly important in demonstrating stewardship and maintaining public confidence.

Preventative maintenance has an important role to play. Sweeping and brushing programmes can help reduce the build-up of detritus that encourages weed establishment on hard surfaces. Good design, improved drainage and proactive maintenance can all reduce the need for intervention over time.

There is also strong interest across the sector in technologies such as hot water, foam, electricity, robotics and other non-chemical approaches. Many of these have an important role to play and continue to evolve. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on timing, weather conditions, surface type, frequency of treatment and available resources. Questions also remain around scalability, consistency, cost and, in many cases, carbon impact. In most situations, particularly where invasive or injurious weeds are involved, practical alternatives remain limited. The question is therefore not whether a solution is chemical or non-chemical, but which combination of tools delivers the safest, most practical and most sustainable outcome.

The amenity sector also faces the challenge of balancing environmental ambition with operational and financial realities. Local authorities, contractors and land managers are under increasing pressure to deliver high standards of maintenance while managing constrained budgets and growing public expectations. Experience across the sector has shown that there is no single solution suitable for every location. While some organisations have successfully reduced glyphosate use, others have reported increased costs, greater resource requirements and less effective vegetation control, highlighting the importance of retaining flexibility to use the most appropriate combination of tools for individual sites.

It is also worth remembering that glyphosate remains one of the most extensively studied and scrutinised plant protection products in the world. Its approval is subject to rigorous scientific assessment by independent regulatory authorities, which continually review evidence relating to human health and environmental safety. As the industry prepares for the forthcoming GB glyphosate consultation, the Amenity Forum believes future decisions must be informed by robust evidence, practical experience and operational data. Environmental considerations are critically important, but they must be considered alongside public safety, accessibility, affordability and long-term sustainability.

These themes will be explored further at the Amenity Forum Annual Conference and Dinner on 7–8 October at Ashorne Hill & British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, where delegates will discuss the future of Integrated Pest Management and consider how the sector can continue to evolve in a responsible and practical way.

The Amenity Forum looks forward to engaging constructively with the consultation process and helping to ensure that the sector’s practical experience, commitment to professional standards and adoption of Integrated Pest Management are reflected in future policy discussions.

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Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

July 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

On farms, there’s no such thing as ‘just a quick ride’ as every journey on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), whether across the yard or out in the field carries risk. As Farm Safety Week encourages the industry to put safety first, the message from Can-Am is clear; responsible riding is critical. Safety first is highlighted in Can-Am’s Responsible Rider Charter, which has been developed using the knowledge and experience of the Can-Am off-road team.

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

Can-Am’s user guidance reinforces the importance of wearing the correct protective equipment, such as wearing a helmet, carrying out essential vehicle checks and using ATVs as they are designed to be used. Following these simple processes reinforces best practice and Can-Am is challenging users to rethink how they approach rider safety and safety on site, sparking discussions from all age groups in the industry about the importance of responsible riding.

Mike Loach, BRP commercial manager, says, “We believe no job is so urgent that it should come at the expense of rider safety. This is why we’re committed to giving riders the knowledge and confidence to make safer decisions every time they get behind the handlebars. Through our Responsible Rider Charter, practical safety guidance and by encouraging users to complete recognised training with ATVEA or EASI, we’re helping to build a stronger culture of responsible riding across agriculture. If every rider takes safety seriously and passes these habits on to colleagues, friends and family, we can make a real difference in reducing avoidable accidents and saving lives.”

Can-Am off-road rider safety top tips:

Load it right. Ride it right – Secure and evenly balance everything you are carrying on the ATV, never exceed the ATV’s load capacity and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations that are in the handbook.

Stay alert as hazards can appear in a split second – Keep scanning your surroundings for livestock, obstacles, uneven ground and other people and vehicles.

A two-minute check could prevent a serious incident – Before you start your ATV, inspect it to make sure it’s safe, roadworthy and ready for the job at hand. In addition, preventative maintenance leads to safer machinery and less downtime due to breakdowns

Smooth is safe – Avoid sudden acceleration or harsh manoeuvres as rapid changes in speed are a common cause of rollovers.

Dress for the ride, not the weather – Every ride should start with the right PPE, including a helmet, sturdy boots, long sleeves and long trousers.

Let your body work with the terrain – Shift your weight to stay balanced, lean forward when ascending slopes, move back when descending, select a low gear and use engine braking to maintain control.

Walk it before you ride it – If you’re working in unfamiliar ground, check the route or location on foot to identify hidden hazards, ruts, ditches or obstacles that could be an issue.

Expect the conditions to change – Weather can turn quickly. Be prepared to adapt your riding as changing ground conditions can affect grip, stability, towing and carrying loads.

Know your machine – Your owner’s manual is one of the most valuable safety tools you have. Read it, understand it and refer back to it regularly.

Set a top speed – Use the DESS key to set a top speed for your ATV that is relevant to the job being carried out.

Get trained and ride with confidence – Professional training gives you the skills to handle your ATV safely, make better decisions in challenging conditions and reduce the risk of incidents. If you’re new to ATVs or even an experienced rider, completing accredited training through LANTRA, EASI or other accredited training providers is one of the best investments you can make to ensure your safety.

For more information about responsible riding visit – https://www.brp.com/en/sustainability/responsible-rider.html

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Glyphosate Use in the UK

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

Glyphosate Use in the UK

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Glyphosate Use in the UK

Glyphosate Use in the UK

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

Can-Am challenges farmers to rethink ATV safety

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