No Mow May is On the Way
Put your lawnmowers away for the month of May, sign up, and you could win a £50 Voucher!
May is nearly here! It’s that time of year when wildflowers start to appear in the garden- but they won't be able to grow if we mow them, and leave our bees and butterflies without food. There are over 4000 gardens in Lockleaze, which adds up to a lot of green space. By making small changes to how we care for our gardens, we can help wildlife thrive. This May, you can do something great for nature by signing up your garden for our No Mow May campaign.
Last year we hit 124 signups- more than the rest of Bristol combined! Can we beat it?
Sign up to Lockleaze No Mow May here: https://forms.gle/ePxEY7TvKFbv5HXB7. By signing up you could also win a £50 voucher of your choice!
What is No Mow May?
No Mow May originated in the UK in 2019, from the charity plantlife . The goal of the campaign is to encourage people to stop mowing all or part of their lawn for May to allow wildflowers to grow. This creates a beautiful natural landscape for us to enjoy, but also provides food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These lovely creatures are fast disappearing and need our help.
Losing iconic UK wildlife not only disconnects us further from nature but also puts us at risk. Pollinators are responsible for one in every three mouthfuls of food we eat!
A wilder lawn also locks away more carbon in the soil, helping to tackle climate change. By participating in No Mow May, you are helping to save important species and create a healthier environment for all. So, this May, take a break from the mower, sit back, and enjoy the beauty of a wilder, more vibrant garden buzzing with life!
Last year, one resident said “My garden is so so over grown! You won't believe how bad it is, but I have slow worms, foxes, bees, butterflies! It looks a mess but when I see all the wildlife, I know it's ok.”
FAQs
Is my garden big enough?
Yes! Any sized lawn, no matter how big or small, is valuable to No Mow May. If letting your whole lawn grow is not manageable, why not just leave a section. How about mowing a path through your lawn so you can get even closer to the wonderful nature thriving in your garden.
What will my neighbours think?
In the past, having an "overgrown" lawn was often frowned upon. Today, we understand the importance of creating gardens that support our wildlife. This is why we are encouraging Lockleaze residents to embrace the wildness and diversity that a less-manicured lawn can bring by participating in No Mow May.
Pick up one of our fliers from The Hub (or print off here) to place in your window, informing your neighbours of your contribution to No Mow May- or share this article! Join us in celebrating the wonders of No Mow May and be a part of nurturing a greener, more vibrant Lockleaze for all to enjoy.
What happens after May?
This is up to you. The longer you go without mowing your lawn the better! But we know that not everyone can leave their lawn unmown forever. Plantlife recommends mowing your lawn after No Mow May using the following steps:
Check your lawn for wildlife, such as hedgehogs that may have made themselves at home in longer grass.
Set your mower blades to the highest setting and mow in strips that are half as wide as the mower
Set your mower blades to the regular setting and mow again.
Rake up your cuttings to allow wildflowers to regrow.
Plantlife provides more information on what to do next after No Mow May, whether you decide to trim your lawn or not. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.plantlife.org.uk/let-it-bloom-june-no-mow-may-is-over-whats-next/
BBC Countryfile also provides lots of great guidance for No Mow May:
https://www.countryfile.com/news/no-mow-may-why-you-should-lock-up-your-lawnmower-on-1st-may