Each May, a quiet revolution spreads across the lawns of the UK. No Mow May is the fast-growing environmental movement that’s encouraging people to put their mowers away for a month and let nature take the lead. So what’s it all about?
No Mow May is a campaign launched by the conservation charity Plantlife to raise awareness about the ecological benefits of letting grass and wildflowers grow freely in our gardens and public green spaces – at least for one month.
The idea is simple: don’t mow your lawn for the entire month of May. That small act can have big consequences for pollinators and biodiversity. According to Plantlife’s surveys, lawns left unmown in May can produce up to 10 times more nectar than regularly mown grass. Some participants even discover rare plants and wild orchids emerging for the first time in years.
In 2023 alone, over 100,000 people pledged to take part in No Mow May, and many councils and local authorities have joined in by letting verges, parks, and other public spaces grow wild.
At this point, we should let you know that when you’re ready to get mowing again, we’ve got a top of the range selection of mowers all ready for you…!
Why May?
May is a critical time in the UK for emerging bees, butterflies, and other insects that are looking for food after winter. Unfortunately, neatly mown lawns don’t offer much in the way of nectar. But if you let your grass grow, wildflowers like dandelions, daisies, clover, and buttercups quickly bloom – providing a vital food source.
So, what are the benefits?
1. Boosts Pollinator Populations
Many bee species are in decline in the UK due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Allowing wildflowers to grow gives pollinators easy access to nectar and pollen when they need it most.
2. Increases Plant Diversity
You might be surprised by how many different plants pop up when left to their own devices. Letting lawns grow can uncover a mini meadow beneath your feet.
3. Improves Soil and Lawn Health
Longer grass helps retain moisture, supports healthier soil microbes, and can even lead to greener, more resilient lawns in the long run.
4. Supports Other Wildlife
A wild lawn becomes a miniature ecosystem, offering shelter and food for beetles, spiders, birds, and even hedgehogs.
How to take part…
Joining No Mow May is pretty easy (the clue’s in the title!)
- Simply don’t mow your lawn during May.
- If you’re concerned about tidiness, consider mowing a border around your lawn or cutting pathways — it keeps things neat while still supporting wildlife.
- You can also register your participation on Plantlife’s website and share your lawn’s progress on social media with the hashtag #NoMowMay.
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