Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to support local biodiversity – one lawn at a time. This May, we’re inviting all residents of Heyford Park to join the growing national movement: No Mow May.
By simply putting your mower away for the month, you’ll be giving wildflowers the chance to bloom, providing crucial food for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects that are vital to keeping our ecosystems healthy and thriving.
Why Take Part?
The UK has seen a sharp decline in pollinator and insect populations in recent years. These insects may be small, but they play a massive role in supporting ecosystems and natural landscapes. Mowing less during May allows wild plants to flower and boosts nectar availability at a critical time of year. Longer grasses can support important insect populations which are the foundation of our world.
Even the smallest patch of uncut grass can become a haven for wildlife.
Supporting Nature at Heyford Park
You may have noticed that some areas around Heyford Park, such as the swales and open green spaces, appear a little more “wild” than others.
Habitat areas have been provided within swales and other areas of open space around Heyford Park to support pollination and provide habitats for beneficial insects that our ecosystems rely on. These areas are slightly wild in nature, fostering biodiversity and creating a space where pollinators, like bees and butterflies, can thrive. As a result, the swales may not always appear “well-maintained” in the traditional sense.
However, their untamed appearance is a purposeful design, prioritising biodiversity over neatness. The UK has seen a significant decline in pollinators and by not keeping these spaces regularly mown, we are nurturing vital pollination processes and supporting our ecosystems.
No Mow May aligns perfectly with this approach. When we resist the urge to over-manage our lawns and green spaces, we actively contribute to the long-term health of the environment around us. Some additional communal areas within Heyford will be left to grow during No Mow May, however some areas will still be mowed to provide space for informal play.
Together, we can make a real impact—right here in our own community. Let’s give nature a chance to grow this May.