Newry and Mourne residents encouraged to join ‘No Mow May’

It comes as campaigners Plantlife revealed that almost half (46%) of people intend to mow no more than once this May.

‘No Mow May’ encourages everyone to mow less and later for nature. They say this will be for the benefit of wild plants, people, pollinators and the planet.

A further 33% of respondents intend to mow once a fortnight, or every three weeks, with Plantlife saying that this indicated that the movement for wilder lawns and green spaces has firmly taken hold. Only 3% of respondents plan to mow more than once a week this May, and 18% on a weekly basis.

Sarah Shuttleworth, Senior Ecological Advisor, Plantlife, said: “No Mow May matters massively because leaving lawns to just let it be(e) in May allows a wonderful array of wild plants to flower and flourish.

"This floral diversity provided by more relaxed mowing regimes provides a rich food source for a wealth of wildlife through the summer. Hang on a mo!”

Commenting on the poll findings, Ian Dunn, CEO, Plantlife, said: “Support for Plantlife’s campaign is blossoming beautifully as people recognise the benefits to plants, people, pollinators and planet of mowing less and later for nature. The small act of giving the mower a month off, and then mowing less through the summer, can make a big difference at a time when we face interlinked climate and biodiversity emergencies.”

No Mow May is also being backed by the Department of Infrastructure, who have responsibility for cutting 45,000km of grass verges across the road network and for the past few years has been changing to more environmentally friendly practices to allow wildflowers and wild-life to thrive.

Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd said: “I am fully supportive of the ‘No Mow May’ approach which is a very positive initiative to ensure we protect nature and provide food for pollinating insects.

“The month of May is very important as bees and butterflies are actively foraging for food, sourced from dandelions and other flowering plants, found in grassy areas. By refraining from grass-cutting during May we are also helping to tackle pollution as well as locking away the very significant carbon below our feet.

“In 2022, I introduced a different approach to grass-cutting across the network we are responsible for. This has meant cutting grass less often to promote biodiversity. The difference it has made has been visibly remarkable and therefore a positive step in promoting biodiversity.

"Road safety is always our priority and while we will cut road-side verges to ensure visibility for all road-users, we will not be cutting grass as often or in the same way as we would have many years ago. These initiatives are part of our plan to protect the environment and to play our part in addressing climate change. I have been very impressed by the ongoing collaboration between my Department and Causeway Coast and Glens Council and the difference it is making.”