There are powerful benefits of having a wild area in your garden or community space:

• Increase the quality of your soil, the health of your plants & reduce pests 
   
• Allow your pollinators to flourish and see new flowers pop up 
   
• Help out bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies and more 
   
• Provide more food and shelter for bats, birds, hedgehogs and many more 

The UK has lost over 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s, so every wildflower we can grow provides a boost to our pollinating insects! Around ¾ of all wild bee species nest in the soil. Solitary bees that nest in the ground include ivy bees and ashy mining bees.

Really Wild Lockleaze are encouraging local residents to take part in Plantlife's No Mow May. By talking about the benefits of No Mow May, lots of people are proud to be taking part. It doesn’t matter how big your garden is or whether your whole garden is included or not. By working together, the impact for wildlife and the community is stronger. Supporting one another and noticing nature is incredibly powerful and encouraging.

What to expect

Some people are lucky enough see the beauty of wildflowers unfold before their very eyes, as a hidden seed bank comes to life, giving power to the pollinators! Other people see a variety of grasses appear, which provides a fantastic habitat space for wildlife to hide, live and feed in. 

A lawn full of wildflowers such as daisies, dandelions, clovers and other naturally flowering plants provide vital food for bees and butterflies, as well as other benefits.

But what will the neighbours think?

It’s a great conversation to have! Raising awareness of the benefits of having a garden to support wildlife and embracing the beauty of nature, encouraging colour and variety can be a challenge with some traditional views about what a garden should look like.

If every garden made space for nature, collectively we would bring nature back. With No Mow May you are doing your bit for local wildlife and connecting green spaces.

After No Mow May 

Take a moment to notice what else has grown in your garden and any new wildlife visitors. You can let it bloom in June! A wild lawn is so much more interesting and full of life. And low maintenance. If it’s not possible to keep a wild lawn, no problem! Melanie in Hanham just mows some of the lawn.

If you do cut the lawn after a long period of time, be sure to check the area for wildlife before you strim or mow the lawn again. Hedgehogs, frogs or reptiles may have started using this habitat.

Your actions for nature  

The total area of gardens in the UK is greater than the total area of reserves. Changing the way we look after our gardens collectively makes a difference.  

Get more inspiration and advice about No Mow May and mini meadows on the Team Wilder pages. Team Wilder celebrates and supports small and large actions for nature. Learn more and see real examples about No Mow May.

www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/mini-meadows-team-wilder