Frequently Asked Questions About No Mow May

Daventry Town Council is supporting the annual No Mow May campaign by identifying areas where grass cutting can either be left or suspended. Have a question about No Mow May? Read on for the answers to come of the most frequently asked questions about this initiative. If you can't find the answer to your query, please contact us.

Why is the Town Council supporting No Mow May?

Letting the grass grow longer means more flowering plants, which provide a vital source of nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees and butterflies. More than 700 species of wildflowers grow on verges in the UK, so No Mow May is an opportunity to create a healthier habitat for insects, birds, and other animals.

There are benefits for the climate too. Grass and other plants capture carbon emissions and lock away atmospheric carbon underground, while also absorbing pollution and improving air quality. The sight of blooming wildflowers can also be a great mood-booster and makes the town more vibrant and colourful.

What are the benefits of No Mow May?

No Mow May has a range of benefits for plants, pollinators, people, and the planet.

• Allows plants to grow and provide vital nectar for insects.
• Provides seeds for birds.
• Improves diversity of natural habitats.

• Longer grass protects against soil erosion.
• Thicker grass can help alleviate flooding.
• Grass and other plants capture carbon emissions and lock carbon away below ground, helping to combat climate change.
• Helps grass to recover following heatwaves and droughts in recent years, giving grass a chance to reseed and become thicker.
• Grass and other plants absorb pollution and improve air quality.

Who came up with No Mow May?

No Mow May is an initiative from Plantlife, a wild plant conservation charity that manages 24 nature reserves around the UK. Daventry Town Council first participated in No Mow May in 2023.

Why does this take place in May?

May is an important month for plants and wildlife. As the soil warms up, grass and other plants begin to thrive. Letting wildflowers and weeds grow provides a crucial food source for pollinating insects, which is particularly important in springtime when their populations are expanding.

How long will grass cutting be suspended for?

We operate a three-weekly grass cutting cycle. Instead of reducing the number of times we cut the grass throughout the year, we are simply shifting the grass cutting cycle and choosing to leave some areas to grow.

Where will grass cutting be suspended?

We have carefully chosen a selection of locations where grass cutting will be either suspended or allowed to flourish as part of the Town Council's climate change initiatives. Look out for the signage in the following locations:

• Middlemore: The Vale and Orchard
• Lang Farm: The basin area of the open space
• Heartlands Lake, as well as the open space just off Lamport Road
• Worcester Way
• Daneholme: Park
• South Way: Verges along the highway
• Eastern Way: Verges along the highway
• London Road: Verges along the highway
• Lang Farm: Verges along the highway

What about highway verges and road safety?

While verges are an important habitat for insects and other wildlife, we recognise that roadside safety needs to come first. Where grass cutting is suspended along a highway, we will mow a strip of grass around the perimeter to maintain visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.

If you have a roadside safety concern during No Mow May, please contact us immediately.

Is this just cost cutting?

While at first glance it may seem that the Town Council is cutting costs or corners by cutting less grass, No Mow May is simply an opportunity to help local wildlife thrive. We are adapting our mowing schedule to allow for No Mow May but will not be reducing the number of times we cut the grass throughout the year.

Will any benefits of No Mow May be undone when mowing resumes in June?

No Mow May gives plants a chance to flower and provide essential nectar and pollen to insects at a crucial time of the season. Although this national initiative only takes place during May, small steps like this can help to restore the UK's insect population, which has drastically declined in recent decades.

Following last year's No Mow May campaign in the town, Daventry Town Council worked with our partners at Norse to review our mowing strategy and put a plan in place that promotes biodiversity and protects wildlife habitats. Although No Mow May only lasts a month, Daventry Town Council left many areas uncut and took a less intensive approach to grass cutting, which is better for nature all year round.

Who should I contact if I'm concerned about long grass in a specific location?

Please use our contact form if you have a concern about long grass in a specific location.

How do I get involved in No Mow May?

Did you know that dandelions are a delicious superfood for bees and butterflies? So, instead of reaching for the mower when your lawn gets longer, why not let the grass, weeds, and wildflowers grow? Anyone can get involved, however small your patch of grass. Even if you only leave a small section of your garden to grow wild, you'll be doing your bit to support local wildlife.

What better excuse for not mowing your lawn?

If you get involved in No Mow May, we'd love to see pictures of your garden growing wild. Share your photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.