Debate Columnists' Perspectives
In the fledgling environmental calendar, a new event known as "No Mow May" is gaining traction. Launched by the UK-based nonprofit Plantlife in 2019, this campaign urges individuals to abandon their lawn mowers for the duration of May with the goal of fostering a habitat essential for early-season pollinators. By allowing grass and other plants to flourish, these unmown lawns serve as a valuable resource, particularly in urban areas where floral resources are scarce.
The primary motivation behind No Mow May is to bolster the population of pollinators like bees. This initiative has proven beneficial in the UK, where it allows native flowers to blossom and provide necessary nourishment for these vital insects. Although the extent of the campaign's impact can vary from region to region, it has yielded positive results in urban landscapes of both Europe and the United States.
However, it's important to note that lawn grass may not provide the same benefits for pollinators as native plants. Therefore, the success of No Mow May may be augmented by the intentional introduction of native flowers and plants into these unmown areas.
Whilst preserving the environment for pollinators is undeniably a worthwhile endeavor, there are potential downsides to No Mow May. For instance, some research has highlighted the increased risk of tick populations as a consequence of unchecked grass growth. Concerns about the wellbeing of pets and children also arise when grassy areas are left unattended. Despite these potential drawbacks, the campaign is hailed as a key stepping stone towards creating more pollinator-friendly ecosystems.
Sources:
[1] Plantlife. (2020). No Mow May. Retrieved from https://www.plantlife.org.uk/nosmowmay[2] Scott, G. S., & Jackson, D. J. (2012). The Relative Abundance of Ticks in Residential Mowed and Unmowed Vegetation. Journal of Medical Entomology, 49(4), 676–677. https://doi.org/10.1603/ME12077[3] Strauss, E., & Revar, R. W. (2011). Urban gardening and landscaping for bees. Northeastern Naturalist, 18(2), 204–213. Retrieved from https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/23233#page/1/mode/1up[4] National Wildlife Federation. (2021). No Mow May FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Grow-Plant/Grow-Native/No-Mow-May-FAQ
Incorporating native flowers and plants into unmown areas during No Mow May can further enhance the initiative's positive impact on pollinators, as suggested by urban gardening and landscaping studies. Adopting a home-and-garden lifestyle that includes sustainable-living practices, like implementing No Mow May and incorporating native flora, can contribute to the creation of pollinator-friendly lifestyles, benefiting both the environment and wildlife.
