Ashfield District Council is stepping up to support wildlife and tackle pollution as No Mow May returns.
This campaign, run by the conservation charity Plantlife, will see grass deliberately left to grow throughout the year – not just during May – to support biodiversity in the district.
The initiative provides food for pollinators and insects, helps tackle pollution, reduces urban heat extremes, and locks away atmospheric carbon below ground. This is part of the Council’s priority to create a cleaner and greener Ashfield.
In addition, the Council will also be planting wildflower meadows that will be left to bloom over the next three to five years.
The areas included in No Mow May are:
- Summerfield Open Space, Kirkby
- Micky’s Field at Sutton Lawn
- Selston Country Park
- Kingsway Park
- Acacia Rec, Annesley Woodhouse
- Titchfield Park, Hucknall
- Pye Hill Road and Wharf Green Main Road, Jacksdale
- Quarrydale Road, Sutton
Grass that needs to be cut for safety reasons, such as at road corners, will still be mown in May.
Signage will be installed in areas of long grass to inform residents that it is being left intentionally. Grass cutting will continue in residential areas as normal.
Although this campaign begins in May, some areas will be left for longer periods to further enhance biodiversity. These areas will be clearly signposted.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said:
“The Council is committed to making Ashfield a cleaner and greener place to live, and No Mow May is one of the ways we are doing this.
“Increasing biodiversity is a top priority for us, and we are proud to be supporting this campaign. There is also something very beautiful about wildflower meadows as nature takes over.
“Safety is always of paramount importance for us, so we will still be mowing areas where it would pose a danger to the public to let the grass grow.”
In previous years, the Council has planted bee highways and wildflowers on the Teversal Trail, Titchfield Park, and Sutton Lawn. The longer grass will complement these initiatives by providing a rich tapestry of native wildflowers to support pollinators, insects, mammals, and birds.
