Council celebrates success of No Mow May
Warwick District Council is celebrating a successful first ‘No Mow May’ in the District, with grass cutting suspended throughout the month of May in the majority of areas to let grass and wildflowers grow, providing a much-needed boost for insects and wildlife.
May marks a key month for plants, insects and other wildlife as warmer soil sees grass, plants and wildflowers blooming to life. Letting them bloom provides an important food source for pollinating insects needing nourishment in the early part of the season to expand their populations.
Grass cutting was suspended on highway verges, Council housing estates and the majority of the District’s parks and open spaces, with cuts still taking place in children’s play areas, cemeteries, sports pitches and major parks including Jephson Gardens, Pump Room Gardens, St. Nicholas Park and Abbey Fields.
Residents were encouraged to take part where possible, by letting some or all of their lawn grow during May. Photos were submitted to the Council by residents who were eager to support the cause, with an abundance of colour on display.
Councillor James Kennedy, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the results of No Mow May across the District, and to hear from the many residents that supported this initiative and even took part themselves. This is a significant gesture at a key time to improve the plight of nature and ensure that our ecosystem thrives.”
The Council’s contractors idverde will now resume mowing, remaining vigilant for any litter or wildlife in the long grass and ensuring they are removed safely before mowing.
In order to understand people’s current awareness of the annual scheme and to ensure that it can continue to build and be successful in future years, the Council are now undertaking a short survey on No Mow May throughout June, with residents encouraged to take part at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NoMowMayWDC.
Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood, added: “The support for No Mow May forms part of the Council’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity in the District, following the declaration of an Ecological Emergency last year. We’d love to hear how we can build on this and improve our contribution in the years to come, so please do fill in the survey and let us know your thoughts.
“We appreciate our residents’ patience as the team get around the District to mow the grass; it will take a little longer given just how much it has grown.”
Further information and FAQs on No Mow May, including how residents can continue to support wildlife in their garden throughout the year can be found on the Council’s website – www.warwickdc.gov.uk/nomowmay
