Now in its fifth year, The No Mow May campaign — a global pledge to delay mowing lawns — is back this month, helping to raise awareness about biodiversity and giving wildlife a much-needed boost this spring
Established in 2019 by the organisation Plantlife, No Mow May is a month-long campaign that highlights the importance of pollinators and biodiversity in our green spaces. May is one of the most important months of the year for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and allowing wildflowers a chance to set seed before the first cutting encourages healthier, more diverse lawns which feed bees, butterflies and other pollinators through the summer.
Worryingly, the UK is one of the least biodiverse countries in the world, currently placed in the lowest 12% of countries for biodiversity intactness. Nearly two-thirds of the UK is now used for agriculture, whilst a further 8% has been built on, leaving little room for nature. The UK has lost 97% of its wild meadows since WWI, and once-abundant meadow plants like Ragged Robin, Field Scabious and Devil’s-bit Scabious are on the endangered plant list.
Programmes such as David Attenborough’s Wild Isles have highlighted the issue, and there is an increasing awareness of the important of wildflowers and weeds; this year, for the first time, a third of the gardens at Chelsea Flower Show will feature weed such as bramble, thistle and knapweed.
Despite the progress, there is still so much to do, and by encouraging garden owners to keep the mower locked away for a month, Plantlife is helping give our precious UK pollinators — and the birds and animals who feed on them — a much-needed boost this spring.
Find out how you can support No Mow May and encourage biodiversity in your garden
