This May, we (The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary) are participating in No Mow May. We already have a couple of areas dedicated to our wildlife all year round, such as our ‘Butterfly and Bee Gardens’ over at SOS2 and Woodland Walk, but have set aside more areas that we will leave to go wild to help our wildlife. Insects are attracted to the bright flowers and potent smells and their presence will help pollinate the flowers and any crops around. This can then attract small birds who, at this time of year, may have a successful nest with chicks.

No Mow May was launched by the wild plant charity Plantlife and is an amazing campaign encouraging people to refrain from mowing their lawns for the month of May. This allows beautiful wildflowers to bloom and provides habitats for pollinators. This is much more appealing than monoculture short cut lawn.

Since the 1930s we have lost about 97% of flower-rich meadows, and with it vital food and habitats needed by wildlife. A healthy lawn with some longer grass and wildflowers can help tackle pollution, benefit wildlife and even lock away carbon below the ground.

Have you considered participating at home or your workplace? No lawn is too small! The smallest wild patch can provide vital food needed by bees and butterflies, and give nature the best start to summer. It can even lead onto ‘Let It Bloom June’. All you have to do is choose an area to leave over the month of May and watch it grow.

📷 Conservation Officer Amber