Grass cutting and maintenance
West Oxfordshire District Council - Glyphosate use and future considerations:
West Oxfordshire District Council are committed to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our public spaces by effectively managing weed growth across the district. As part of this effort, our partners and their contractors currently use glyphosate-based herbicides in some areas. This remains the most cost-effective and efficient method for controlling weeds.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to regulate the use of glyphosate in the UK, and its latest assessments have concluded that, when used properly, glyphosate poses minimal risk to human health and the environment.
West Oxfordshire District Council recognise the growing public concern over the use of glyphosate-based herbicides and the long-term impacts on biodiversity and soil health. In line with these concerns, we are exploring safer, more sustainable alternatives to glyphosate.
Our goal is to reduce its use and phase it out completely where feasible, introducing environmentally responsible methods that align with both public health priorities and our commitment to maintaining a healthy local ecosystem.
To achieve this West Oxfordshire District Council will continue to actively seek engagement from our partners and industry experts as well as the wider community to ensure any changes we make are well-informed, economically viable, and aligned with best practices for environmental stewardship.
What is the difference between a herbicide and a pesticide?
Herbicides are specifically designed to kill or control unwanted plants (weeds), while pesticides are a broader term for chemicals that control a wider range of pests, including insects, rodents, and fungi, in addition to weeds.
Grounds Maintenance Map
Below is a map showing areas of land West Oxfordshire District Council maintains and who is responsible for the land. This includes grass verges maintained on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council and Town/Parish Councils.
Report an issue
If you would like to report an issue on our land please use the form here.
Issues relating to Oxfordshire County Council or Town/Parish Council land should be reported directly to them:
Grass cutting responsibilities
The grass cutting season in West Oxfordshire usually starts in April and ends in October. West Oxfordshire District Council cuts its own grass up to ten times a year. We are responsible for:
- Oxfordshire County Council verges within 20mph and 30mph zones within selected areas of the district, these are cut once annually
- West Oxfordshire District Council owned property, and some housing estates and communal areas including Madley Park, Shilton Park, Deer Park and Kilkenny Lane Country Park
- Wildflower areas are subjected to different grass cutting regimes to support a variety of plants and insects. This forms a part of West Oxfordshire District Council's response to the climate and ecological emergencies. This change is part of our new Land Management Plan for the estate – you can view this at: Climate action - Enhancing our natural capital. If you would like further information, please email our Nature Recovery Officer at Climate.Action@westoxon.gov.uk
Oxfordshire County Council Highways cut verges, high speed roads and roads outside the 30mph zones. Highway verges are cut once per year, unless Oxfordshire County Council request more on the grounds of safety.
Town and parish councils are responsible for all localised areas, including sports facilities, village greens and some highway verges.
Cottsway and other housing associations are responsible for their own housing land.