No Mow May Wrap Up 2023
What is No Mow May?
Established in 2019 by PlantLife, the No Mow May campaign aims to promote the growth of long grasses and wildflowers through allowing natural growth in our green spaces. This is done by encouraging landowners to do nothing – and by doing so allow nature to flourish.
Why is this important?
Since the 1970’s we’ve lost nearly 97% of flower rich meadows, which would provide vital food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This campaign allows plants to get a foothold in May to help provide food for pollinators throughout the Summer.
How has UHP grasslands responded?
As many would have noticed, a wide range of flowering plants appeared in locations such as the Orchard and the Northern woodlands. This brought bee species and other pollinators to our grounds in greater numbers than before. Flowering plants including Bluebell, Primrose, Red Campion appeared over the site, among many others.
In May, a member of the team organised a BioBlitz survey on the Orchard alongside the Trust Volunteer Manager, the Joint Hospital Group and Grown That Way. 19 quadrats were spread within the Orchard, and surveys were conducted over an hour. In total, over 25 plant species were identified, and signs of Robins, Sparrow, Magpies and Blackbirds also recorded.
What happens next?
The wildflowers are being left until Autumn, which will likely result in more grasses and the potential for different wildflowers to appear. We will then cut the grasses for the winter whilst wildflower species are dormant, ready for another diverse Spring in 2024!
