SPC supports B&NES Council’s encouragement for residents in Bath and North East Somerset to give nature a month off by not cutting their grass as part of No Mow May. Or just leave a large patch unmowed – everything helps our pollinators!
The No Mow May campaign by wild plant conservation charity Plantlife highlights how long grass provides a feast for pollinators, tackles pollution, reduces heat extremes and locks away atmospheric carbon below ground. SPC has been supportive of No Mow May for several years, as well as aiming to support local pollinators via its ‘Saltford Wildlife Project: All You Seed is Love’ initiative. This SPC environment project led to Saltford’s involvement in the nature initiative currently taking place near the play park behind the school. SPC was a named partner in B&NES’s bid for WECA funding for the new trees, wildflower areas and bug benches installed in late 2023.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting No Mow May by leaving some areas in Bath (e.g. Sydney Gardens, Hedgemead Park, Henrietta Park and Alice Park) unmown for a month and leaving some verges across the district uncut until June.
In Saltford throughout the growing season, areas are being left for grassy areas to thrive, with cut through paths being mowed regularly. SPC welcomes this balance to support nature whilst allowing good access. Please see our recent social media posts from ‘Admirals Park’ (area behind the school) and by the river which shows this approach.
Residents can join in with No Mow May by letting lawns grow to provide vital food needed by pollinators like bees and butterflies. People can also register their lawn via Plantlife’s website to help the charity understand how many lawns and green spaces are being allowed to grow this May.
B&NES Council is responsible for management of Saltford’s parks and green spaces, including maintenance. B&NES Council’s Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Reducing mowing is so important because it can significantly help plants, animals and small creatures to become more established. There are many species of butterfly whose caterpillars need long grass. Allowing flowering plants like buttercups to bloom attracts the pollinating insects which our food relies on.
“All year round we keep our verge mowing schedule to a minimum while ensuring motorists still have clear lines of sight and we have also reduced how often we mow our open spaces. There’s a balance to be struck between supporting biodiversity and practical use of green spaces and private gardens, but No Mow May is a simple and effective way we can all do our bit for nature.”