Leave what you can: residents encouraged to take part in No Mow May

Stroud District Council is encouraging residents, communities and schools to take part in No Mow May again this year, while stressing that even small changes can make a big difference for wildlife.

No Mow May, led nationally by charity Plantlife, invites people to leave their lawns, or parts of them, uncut to give wildflowers the chance to grow and provide vital food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife.

The council’s message is simple: do what works for you and your family. Residents are encouraged to enjoy their gardens without guilt, mowing areas that are needed for access or play, and leaving whatever space they can.

Cllr Martin Pearcy, chair of Environment Committee said:

“'Even a small unmown patch of lawn can have a positive impact for nature, and if you allow an area to remain unmown for  longer this helps even more as wildflowers can flower, set seed and drop seeds later in the summer in July and August. Doing this helps nature thrive year after year.”

Stroud District Council will again be playing its part by leaving nearly 100,000 square metres of council-owned grass uncut during May.

In recent years, the council has also reduced the frequency of grass cutting in green spaces, and around the base of its 1,500 trees, creating an additional 18,000 square metres of wildlife habitat. Spring bulbs and wildflower seeds have been planted in many of these areas to increase biodiversity and improve soil health including in  areas adopted by community groups.

Local schools are also getting involved. Rebecca Charley, Strategic Lead for Nature Recovery and Biodiversity at Stroud District Council, said:

“Schools are leading by example. Many of them have very large grounds, so small changes can have a big impact. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved and see the positive difference they can make to their environment from an early age.”

The council’s approach to No Mow May supports its Climate and Nature Strategy and Council Plan, which commit to protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity across the district.

Residents who want to learn more about No Mow May and how to get involved can find further guidance from Plantlife at:
https://www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/nomowmay/

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