Be inspired by conservation charity Plantlife’s No Mow May and do things differently in the garden this month. Their idea is simple: just as you might be tempted to get out and mow the lawn or pluck out some weeds, hold back and let the grass and flowers grow.
But how does this help wildlife? Traditional wildflower meadows can provide a staggering 50 plants per square metre and by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and birds like the pied flycatcher, they offer a vital habitat over the summer months. However, since the 1930s, over 97% of the UK’s meadows have vanished. This decline has led to gardens becoming important alternative sources of the nectar that bees, butterflies and moths all need to thrive. Left to establish, plants and flowers commonly found on garden lawns such as plantain, dandelion and clover become excellent sources of food for these pollinators, while longer grasses provide shelter and foraging grounds for an amazing range of insects, reptiles and small mammals. With UK gardens covering an area larger than our national nature reserves combined, our green spaces and gardens, pots and planters have the potential to make a significant contribution to supporting wildlife.
More tips for nature-friendly gardens:
Plant bee-friendly plants such as lavender, sunflower and heathers.
Create a mini-meadow – many insects love wildflowers such as Knapweed, Cowslip and Meadow Buttercup.
Build a Bug Hotel – use dead wood, hollow stems and dry leaves to create a year-round insect habitat.
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