Put your lawnmower away for No Mow May

Cheshire West and Chester Council is supporting a national campaign this spring and will slow down its grass cutting operations to support animals and plant life.

The Council will leave some areas of grass to grow to help biodiversity during the month of May, with a particular focus on pollinators such as bees.

National charity, Plantlife, launched the #NoMowMay campaign on 22 April which challenges everyone to leave their mowers in their sheds for the month of May to allow pollen rich flowers for nature’s emerging insects.

However, road safety is a priority for the Council, grass will still be cut in some locations such as at road junctions or bends where leaving grass to grow long could cause a danger.  Grass cutting will also continue where needed for operational reasons, like football pitches, play areas and paths.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport said: “May is an important month for biodiversity as the first nectar rich flowers are helping to sustain the emerging insect population.  Taking part in No Mow May also supports the Council’s climate emergency declaration by reducing carbon emissions.

“I hope many residents will join in the campaign too to boost biodiversity in the borough. Whether it’s a small patch or your whole lawn, you can have an impact.

“Of course, road safety is a priority for us to, so road users can be assured that any necessary maintenance will be carried out and signage will remain clearly visible.

“Our regular grass cutting schedule will begin again across the borough in June.”

The Council is also continuing to implement its Wildflower and Grassland Strategy and native wildflower meadows are being planted in every ward in the borough using a bespoke seed mix to boost biodiversity.

The seed mix that has been created by the Wildflower Centre based at the Eden Project. The seed supplier, Boston Seeds, has agreed to stock the ‘Cheshire mix’ so that anyone can order it and help to boost biodiversity in the borough.  Residents can order the seed mix direct from Boston Seeds by calling 01205 280 069 and their website has some helpful guides on how to create a wildflower meadow in residential gardens.

Councillor Shore added: “It’s also Global Bee Day on 20 May, so this month, please play your part to help our pollinators, by planting wildflowers in your garden or leaving your grass to go wild.”

For more information on Plantlife, visit: 

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/no-mow-may