We are proud to support Plant Life’s No Mow May scheme for the fourth year running.
It's time to give wildlife a helping hand by letting some areas of grass grow freely across the city. We will still be maintaining grass in sports and recreational spaces as usual. But by reducing mowing in certain areas, we can create vital habitats for pollinators and support our local ecosystem.
Salford City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2039. Allowing grass to grow helps store carbon dioxide, contributing to our carbon reduction goals.
We're reallocating some amenity grassland to meadows or grassland zones, allowing chosen areas to grow naturally. Rather than adding new seeds, we're observing what nature has to offer and evaluating the need for additional seeding in the future. We'll also leave wildflowers and grassland in place to allow plants to set seed for the next year.
Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for our environment, but their populations are declining. By leaving grass to grow, we provide important habitat for these insects, as well as birds and mammals. Long grass improves conditions for bugs and insects, which in turn support our city’s wildlife. Research shows that mowing grass less frequently can produce enough nectar sugar for ten times the number of pollinators.
You can support our efforts by letting your own lawn grow this May and by participating in community cleanup events. Together, we're making a real difference for wildlife and our environment.