No Mow May: Why a Month of Doing Less Can Help Nature Do More

No Mow May is a straightforward concept that yields a surprisingly significant effect: refrain from using the lawnmower for a month and allow your grass and wildflowers to flourish to supply nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and various other pollinating insects. This seemingly minor action serves a vital ecological goal—assisting early-season pollinators when they require support the most.  

May is a vital month. Numerous pollinators awaken from their winter slumber when food supplies are still limited. A well-manicured lawn provides nearly no sustenance. In contrast, a somewhat untamed lawn can serve as a crucial resource.

Why pollinators need our help: 

Wildflower meadows represent one of the most endangered habitats in the UK, with a staggering 97% wildflower meadow loss since the 1930s. The decline of our wildflowers significantly affects the food supply we rely on. British wildflowers face numerous threats, which in turn jeopardizes the pollinators that depend on them for sustenance. These meadows offer both shelter and nourishment for crucial pollinators, including various species of bees. The UK is home to over 250 bee species, all of which are essential for maintaining the ecosystem.  The disappearance of wildflower meadows leads to the decline of pollinators, along with other insects and the animals that prey on them, such as birds, hedgehogs, and bats.

British pollinators are under pressure from habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use as well as reduced plant diversity in urban and suburban areas.  In the UK, one-third of wild bee species are in decline, and many hoverflies and butterflies are following the same trend. Gardens collectively cover more land than all the UK’s nature reserves combined, which means small changes at home can add up to meaningful national impact.

What Happens When You Stop Mowing and No Mow May Benefits:

When mowing pauses, several ecological benefits appear quickly; wildflowers return with plants like dandelions, clover, speedwell, and selfheal often blooming within days. These “lawn flowers” are rich in nectar and thrive when given even a short break from mowing. 

More flowers mean more pollinators, so insects will increase. You may notice bumblebees foraging, hoverflies patrolling, butterflies passing through and ladybirds and beetles sheltering in longer grass.  Birds and small mammals also benefit as they feed on insects and hedgehogs love the cover that the long grass creates.  Longer grass also shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing stress during dry spells.

A pollinator friendly lawn featuring longer grass and wildflowers contributes to reducing pollution, supports wildlife, and has the potential to lock away carbon below the ground.

With approximately 23 million gardens in the UK, consider the significant effect we could achieve if everyone participated! Even the tiniest grassy areas can accumulate to make a difference.

How to take part in Now Mow May UK: 

Starting in May, stop mowing your lawn, or even a small section of it. No lawn is too small! Even the smallest wild area can supply essential nourishment for bees and butterflies, offering wildlife a great beginning to summer.  

Additionally, reducing mowing will conserve your energy, lower expenses, diminish your carbon footprint, and enhance your bond with nature.  

If you prefer a tidier look you can mow a neat border around the lawn with a defined path through the longer grass.  Adding a small sign can help to explain your project, which can often help with neighbours who may think the garden looks untidy.  

If you have limited space you could leave just one corner unmown, use pots or window boxes with pollinator‑friendly plants or plant a tray of mini wildflowers on a balcony. Every patch counts! 

What to do when May ends: 

You don’t need to return to weekly mowing. Many people transition into a low‑mow summer, cutting only every 3–6 weeks or leaving certain areas long all season as a method of lawn care after No Now May to keep a pollinator friendly lawn. 

Other wildlife‑friendly steps include planting nectar‑rich flowers leaving leaf litter and deadwood in quiet corners or creating a small wildflower meadow.

The idea is not to abandon your garden, but to manage it in a way that supports biodiversity.

The No Mow May Movement: 

No Mow May is an annual initiative by Plantlife that encourages individuals to store their lawnmowers, allowing wildflowers to flourish naturally and supporting nature right from their homes.  It is one of the easiest ways to help the environment.  You can pledge to take part in Now Mow May on the Plantlife website.