No Mow May: Celebrating Biodiversity

As a beekeeper and gardening enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about No Mow May. This initiative is gaining popularity across the world, encouraging people to let their lawns grow wild for the month of May. And I’m all for it! (And that’s not just because my lawnmower is banjaxed!)

Why No Mow May matters

The idea behind No Mow May is to give nature a chance to thrive. By letting your lawn grow, you create a perfect habitat for wildflowers and other plants that are often destroyed by regular mowing. These wildflowers, in turn, provide food and shelter for a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators as well as birds and small mammals.

Wildflowers and biodiversity

One of the most beautiful aspects of No Mow May is the explosion of colour that occurs when wildflowers are allowed to grow. The range of colours and shapes is truly stunning. And it highlights the amazing biodiversity that exists in even the smallest patches of land. From the delicate blue of forget-me-nots and the vibrant red of poppies to the sunshine yellow of dandelions and buttercups. There really is something for everyone to enjoy. Especially our insects!

Beneficial for insects and other animals

But No Mow May isn’t just about aesthetics and colours. It’s also about supporting biodiversity and helping to create healthy ecosystems. By allowing grass and Native wildflowers to grow, you can help support a range of plant and animal life, including some that are endangered or threatened. By creating and maintaining these habitats for insects, we are helping to support the entire ecosystem. Birds and small mammals can find refuge in the tall grasses and flowers that grow during this time. This shelter can be especially important for fledglings as they learn to fly.

So, which wild plants that we can find in our lawns and unmanaged ground are especially beneficial for insects in Ireland (and the UK)?

Honeybees and bumblebees

Bees are essential pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees and the many Native species of solitary bees. (To find out more about the different species, and learn how to tell them apart, go to: Bees » All-Ireland Pollinator Plan) There are many wildflowers that are particularly attractive to bees and bumblebees. Among the many native wildflowers, that we often find in our lawns and grasslands, bees are very fond of:

• Clover
• Dandelion
• Bluebells
• Thistles
• Common Knapweed
• Poppies
• Mallow

Butterflies, Moths and other insects

There are many other insects that benefit from wildflowers, including butterflies, moths, beetles, hoverflies, and ladybirds. Here are some wildflowers that are especially attractive to a range of insects in Ireland and the UK:

• Cowslip
• Foxglove
• Knapweed
• Meadow cranesbill
• Oxeye daisy
• Ragged robin
• Nettles
• Red Valerian or Devil’s Beard
• Red Campion
• Scabious
• Meadowsweet

If you want to learn more about the wildflowers of Ireland, visit: Irish Wildflowers Wildflowers Ireland Irish Wild Flora Wildflowers Plants Ireland (wildflowersofireland.net)

Not ready to take the plunge?

If you’re not ready to commit to a full month of no mowing, that’s okay too. Even just reducing the frequency of mowing can make a big difference in the health of your lawn and the diversity of the ecosystem it supports.

Here are five more things homeowners and their families can do to encourage biodiversity:

1. Plant wildflowers: As I mentioned earlier, wildflowers are a great way to support pollinators and other insects. Consider planting native wildflowers in your garden or in pots on your balcony or windowsill. You can find wildflower seeds at most garden centers or in our online shop. Find out how to sow a wildflower meadow or strip here.
2. Create a bug hotel: Many insects, including solitary bees and ladybirds, need shelter and nesting sites. You can create a bug hotel by filling a wooden box or an old plant pot with materials like bamboo canes, twigs, and dry leaves. Place it in a sheltered spot in your garden or on your balcony.
3. Provide a water source: Insects need water to survive. A simple way to provide it is by placing a shallow dish or saucer filled with water in your garden. Make sure to keep it clean and refill it regularly. Here is how to make a water drinker for bees.
4. Reduce pesticide use: Pesticides can harm insects, including beneficial ones like pollinators. Try to limit your use of pesticides in your garden or switch to natural, non-toxic alternatives. Also try to reduce the use of herbicides and fungicides and these are known to affect pollinators.
5. Learn about biodiversity: Encourage your family and children to learn more about the importance of biodiversity and how they can help support it. There are many great books, websites, and educational resources available for all ages. You can also join a local nature or gardening group to learn more and meet like-minded people.

Conclusion

No-Mow May is a fantastic initiative that not only helps to reduce carbon emissions. It also provides a valuable habitat for wildflowers and biodiversity. By leaving our lawns to grow wild, we can help to support a diverse range of pollinators and other insects and animals, which in turn, supports our ecosystem. So, this May, why not join me in celebrating wildflowers and biodiversity by putting away your lawnmower and letting your lawn grow wild? Not only will you be doing your part to support biodiversity. You will also be rewarded with a beautiful display of wildflowers that you can enjoy all month long.

Not ready to let it all go wild?

That’s ok. Do as much as you like. Even one small change will help! So, let’s celebrate No Mow May and help give nature a chance to thrive and create a healthier planet for us all!

Hanna Bäckmo

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