New Forest District Council goes wild with Plantlife campaign No Mow May

If you thought verges around the New Forest were looking a little on the wild side, it’s likely to do with the council taking part in No Mow May.

The NFDC cut back on its mowing programme across the district last month as part of the annual campaign, which was launched in 2019 by conservation charity Plantlife and encourages vegetation growth as food for pollinators.

The council says the reduced cutting also lowered the council’s carbon footprint through fewer journeys and less use of grass cutting equipment.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: “Taking part in the No Mow May campaign has been part of NFDC’s commitment and response to its declaration of a climate and nature emergency. It has been a great opportunity to see the New Forest flourish with even more wildlife.”

While the mowers will be out a little more this month, Cllr Blunden said some areas will be left alone for a few more weeks.

“Residents will start to see certain areas being trimmed back to avoid invasive species growing. We’ll be continuing to expand suitable sites for wildflower establishment and the naturalisation of bulbs that can provide amenity as well as habitat benefits. Some areas have also been recognised as having ecological importance, and these will now not be mown until the end of the summer.

“We hope most people enjoyed the display and got behind the idea of No Mow May.”

“We’d also like to encourage residents to consider having their own wild areas in their gardens. We recently heard from a resident who contacted us to say that her son had been admiring the uncut verges in Milford and diversity of plant life. The family are now sowing their own wildflower area at home.”

Sarah Shuttleworth of Plantlife, added: “The simple action of taking the mower out of action for May delivers big gains for nature, communities and the climate so we are encouraging all to liberate lawns as never before. Plantlife botanists recommend a balanced approach to lawn care throughout the year with collection of the cuttings.”

The NFDC have also developed 16 wildflower areas at sites across the New Forest including Heatherstone Avenue in Hythe and Paddock Gardens in Lymington. Four new wildflower meadows are currently in development at Fawley Fields.

Residents who would like NFDC to consider local open spaces for wildflowers should email contact openspaces@nfdc.gov.uk