Stark warning to not mow garden this May – backed by Sir David Attenborough
Resist the urge to wheel out the lawnmower this May.
With Bank Holidays on the horizon and the nation buzzing for BBQs and garden parties, it can be tempting to go all out in your green areas. But before you start cutting the grass, listen up.
It’s No Mow May this month, a campaign tells you to lay off your lawn for a few weeks. It’s not just any old advice – as it’s got the seal of approval from none other than Sir David Attenborough himself.
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The national treasure is calling for a ‘delay mowing’ movement to protect our precious environment, as seen in one off his recent TV series.
Why, you may ask? Because our little insect friends and wildflowers are using our lawns as their love nests and pollen parties right now.
Mowing can be a big no-no because these tiny critters play a massive role in keeping our ecosystem buzzing – and they’re already on the brink.
Speaking on BBC’s Wild Isles, Sir David Attenborough said: “Nowhere here is richer in wildflowers and insect pollinators than our traditional hay meadows. Sadly, in the last 60 years, we’ve lost 97% of this precious habitat.
“But with nature friendly farming, meadows can be restored to provide a haven for wildlife. It’s all about the timing. Delaying mowing until mid-July allows birds and insects to complete their breeding and flowers to set their seed.”
Plantlife, a supporter of the campaign, states: “We’ve lost approximately 97% of flower-rich meadows since the 1930s and with them gone are vital food needed by pollinators, like bees and butterflies.
“But your lawn can help! A healthy lawn with some long grass and wildflowers benefits wildlife, tackles pollution and can even lock away carbon below ground.
“With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest grassy patches add up to a significant proportion of our land which, if managed properly, can deliver enormous gains for nature, communities and the climate.
“This is why Plantlife calls for people to get involved with #NoMowMay every year, and let wild plants get a head start on the summer. Best of all, to reap these benefits all you have to do is not mow your lawn in May and beyond!”
