The Isle of Wight Council is supporting the national ‘No Mow May’ campaign at several of its sites.
This national campaign not only promotes local biodiversity but also aligns with our UNESCO biosphere status.
The campaign aims to encourage people to ‘liberate their lawns’ — letting the grass grow will provide a feast for insects and bees, and lock away greenhouse gasses carbon below ground.
Dix: Threat to the world’s bee population
Natasha Dix, the Service Director for waste environment and planning said,
“By not mowing in May, we support the Biosphere and align with the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of ‘life on land’. This approach aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, while also halting biodiversity loss.
“Furthermore, encouraging biodiversity holds significant importance for our environment. The presence of wild orchids, including the declining man orchid, green-winged orchid, southern marsh orchid, northern marsh orchid, and bee orchid, can brighten up liberated lawns and enhance our natural spaces.
“The findings from the ‘Every Flower Counts’ survey conducted nationally revealed that a mere one square meter of a typical lawn harboured 17 daisies, along with a sprinkling of buttercups, dandelions, and other native species.
“The urgency lies in the threat to the world’s bee population. By allowing lawns to bloom, even for just a month, we actively support our local bees and contribute to the broader biodiversity structures that play a critical role in maintaining balance. I encourage everyone to participate in this meaningful endeavour. Let’s unleash the power of wildflowers.”
Safety mowing
For safety reasons, the council will continue to mow roadside verges throughout May and a number of outdoor spaces that serve sport and recreation activities.
However, the council will be letting some areas return to their natural state throughout the month.
In 2023, ‘No Mow May’ saw more than 7000 people pledged to put their lawnmowers away during May – an increase of more than 30% on 2022.
And 90% of those who took part committed to mowing less frequently throughout the summer and beyond. This impressive legacy is providing a lifeline for our wild plants by giving them the time and space to bloom.
For more information about No Mow May, visit the website.
Participating sites
Among the council sites participating in No Mow May are:
- Big Mead, Shanklin – tree line on the side of main road
- Seaclose, Newport – on top plateau where new trees have been planted we will leave area behind uncut
- Fishbourne roundabout
- Havenstreet Recreation Ground – over a quarter of main grass area
- Sylvan Drive, Newport
- Tower Cottage Gardens, Shanklin – wild garden area
- Moorgreen reservoir park, Cowes
- Park Road Recreation Ground, Cowes – tree area
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
