Buffer Zone [1]

An area of land that is between land that is often intensively maintained and an area that needs protecting and is at higher risk of contamination, damage or harm from maintenance activities if the buffer zone did not exist. An area that needs protecting might typically be a watercourse, a conservation area, or a location where insects or other creatures are present.

Pesticide use and drift potential are key considerations in the use of a buffer zone.

A label on a pesticide might state something about protecting the environment, as well as other requirements, including width of the buffer zone, which might be at least 5-metres from the top of the watercourse's bank, or around the edge of a field, to the area being treated using boom sprayers. (Section 3.2.4b)

In addition, regulatory assessments might permit where some buffer zones (which typically might be up to 30m) to be reduced to no less than 5-m using a boom sprayer.

Being briefed by the owner or occupier of the land before the use of any pesticide can help determine the sensitivity of the location and features within and around it. (3.8.2)

Leaving an untreated area as a buffer zone is required around watercourses, helping to reduce drift and contamination of the watercourse. (3.8.8 & 4.7.4)
(Source: Defra, 2006, ‘Pesticides: Code of practice for using plant protection products’, at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/resources/C/Code_of_Practice_for_using_Plant_Protection_Products_-_Complete20Code.pdf)