The 'Spraying at School' Survey

The use of sprays such as herbicides have a catastrophic effect on biodiversity and have very concerning links to our children's health. It is therefore our opinion at ‘Biodiversity in Schools’ that they should never be used on school grounds.

From our own experience visiting schools, we have noticed an increase in their use.

From what we have seen, the practice is completely uncontrolled and totally unnecessary.

However, from what we understand, there is no data on their use in Irish schools.

We are therefore asking you as parents, teachers, students and members of the community to anonymously register if a school is using these sprays. Equally, if your school isn’t spraying, please let us know that too and share your experience of how you have avoided them.

This will give us a snapshot across Ireland. 

The evidence of spraying is seen as brown scarring around the edges of paths, flower beds, gardens, playgrounds, pitches, tree trunks, hedgerows, fences, walls and disturbed ground.

To access this survey please see here.

Remember, all information is completely anonymous. All results will be collated and no school names will be released.

We intend to use the data collected to support our case for banning school spraying.

References:

European Environment Agency (2023)