Naturalist and broadcaster, Chris Packham, has thrown his support behind a campaign calling for the Isle of Wight Council to phase out the use of chemical pesticides in public spaces across the Island.
The endorsement comes as Greenpeace Isle of Wight continues to gather signatures for a petition urging the local authority to adopt a clear plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of pesticides such as glyphosate in urban areas.
Packham, who works with Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK), said reducing the use of chemical pesticides is essential to protecting wildlife and improving public health.
Chris has said:
“I fully support Greenpeace Isle of Wight’s petition calling on the Isle of Wight Council to phase out the use of chemical pesticides in the Island’s urban spaces.
“The use of glyphosate in urban areas is simply mind-boggling. We know these chemicals can harm biodiversity, threaten pollinators and contaminate the environments where people, pets and wildlife live side by side.
“We should be creating cleaner, greener and more resilient communities, and that starts by reducing our reliance on harmful pesticides. Councils across the UK are already demonstrating that safer and effective alternatives exist, and I hope the Isle of Wight will follow their lead.”
The petition calls on the Isle of Wight Council to develop a transparent and actionable strategy to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of chemical pesticides in public spaces.
Campaigners say doing so would help reduce risks to pollinators, pets, children and vulnerable residents, while protecting biodiversity and public health.
A spokesperson for Greenpeace Isle of Wight has said:
“Chris Packham’s support sends a powerful message. The Isle of Wight has an opportunity to lead by example and show that protecting the health of residents and nature begins at the local level.”
The petition remains open for signatures and is expected to be presented to the Isle of Wight Council later this year.
