No Mow May 2025

In 2025, Stratford-on-Avon District Council will again be participating in No Mow May, an important environmental initiative that aims to help reduce the global decline in pollinating insects.

Over 80% of crop species grown in Europe rely on bees, thrips, wasps, beetles, moths and other insects for reproduction. We rely on a pollinator for every one in three bites of food we eat!

Research has revealed pollinator numbers are declining in the UK, which could have a serious effect on biodiversity, food supply and even human health. One of the main causes of pollinator decline is habitat loss, which the District Council can help prevent by engaging in the No Mow May initiative.

No Mow May encourages landowners to reduce their mowing frequency during one month, which will allow plant species to flower and provide a vital source of pollen and nectar. Longer grass also provides shelter for wildlife, reduces pollution, increases carbon sequestration, and reduces carbon emissions by lowering fuel use.

As part of the District Council's grounds maintenance contract with Krinkels UK Ltd, No Mow May will apply to highway verges on urban roads with a speed limit of 40mph or less. This may mean that some grass verges are not cut for up to eight weeks, however, those verges adjacent to main road junctions and roundabouts will be cut as normal to maintain sight lines and visibility for road users.

No Mow May aligns with Stratford-on-Avon District Council's climate emergency declared in 2019 and is one of the District Council's Council Plan objectives:

Increase and protect green spaces which positively affect nature recovery.

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "No Mow May forms part of a wider agenda to enhance biodiversity, which is being delivered by Stratford-on-Avon District Council. Other measures that have been delivered include tree planting, the creation of wildflower meadows on Council owned land and the declaration and ecological enhancement of a new Local Nature Reserve".