Gardeners are being asked to stop mowing now, as it can help lawns grow better and support their local community throughout May.
Lawns will grow healthier and simply look better if you avoid mowing them this weekend(Image: MAXSHOT via Getty Images)
Gardeners across the country are being urged to down tools this weekend and resist the temptation to mow their lawns for an entire month, in a bid to support wildflower growth throughout Britain.
The No Mow May initiative encourages homeowners to let their grass grow freely, providing crucial resources for pollinators such as bees and butterflies during a critical period. Launched by Plantlife, a UK-based conservation charity, the campaign highlights how lawns serve as vital habitats for wildlife at this time of year, with regular mowing eliminating an essential food source for these creatures.
The charity explained: “From May onwards, simply stop mowing your lawn (or even just a small part of it) and do more by doing less. No lawn is too small! Even the tiniest wild patch can provide vital food needed by bees and butterflies and give wildlife the best start to summer.”
Gardeners are being asked to stop mowing throughout the whole of May(Image: Getty)
Why is No Mow May beneficial for wildlife?
Springtime marks the renewal of garden growth, but this period often leaves wildlife struggling to find dependable food sources after emerging from winter.
With relatively few flowers in bloom during early spring, insects face a shortage of pollen, which subsequently affects nesting birds that rely on these insects for food. May represents a critical period, as significant losses among pollinating insects can impact plant growth and spring animal births, creating long-term environmental consequences.
Yet when lawns are left to grow naturally, they produce wildflowers such as daisies, clovers and buttercups, offering vital nectar sources for butterflies and bees.
While maintaining a neat garden appeals to many, leaving even a modest section unmowed can boost insect populations and benefit local wildlife.
Letting wildflowers grow on a lawn can greatly help out butterflies and bees(Image: Getty)
Why is avoiding mowing during May beneficial for gardens?
Spring lawns are typically recovering from winter damage, and excessive mowing during this period can stress the grass, hampering proper growth.
Frequent spring cutting forces grass to develop only shallow root systems, leaving it vulnerable when summer arrives and unable to retain adequate moisture.
Consequently, lawns require more frequent watering, which creates additional maintenance and increases the risk of drying out.
To prevent patchy, yellowing grass, pausing mowing activities in May allows lawns to establish deeper root networks, ensuring better hydration during warmer weather.
Lawns can become dried out and brittle if you mow them too much in spring(Image: Getty)
Longer grass also penetrates further into the soil, accessing more nutrients, which strengthens lawns and promotes healthier, more vibrant growth over time.
How can gardeners contribute?
What makes No Mow May so brilliant is that it’s one of the simplest ways to support nature right from your own garden.
The concept is straightforward: simply put away the lawnmower for the entire month of May to allow wildflowers to flourish.
It’s also advisable to avoid weedkillers or fertilisers during this period, as these chemicals can harm insects and birds.
You just have to stop mowing all or part of your lawn in May(Image: Getty)
For those who prefer a tidier appearance, a middle ground can be found by mowing just the pathways or lawn borders, maintaining a neat look while still benefiting local wildlife.
Many gardening enthusiasts take pleasure in posting pictures of their longer grass and wildflower displays, demonstrating how modest adjustments can make a real difference to the surrounding ecosystem.
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