5 Min Read

It’s the start of May—and across the UK, a quiet revolution is taking root. Lawnmowers are falling silent, dandelions are popping up defiantly, and more of us are embracing the idea that a “neat and tidy” garden might not be the best use of our outdoor space after all.

Welcome to No Mow May—a national movement that’s gaining momentum across Britain. Its mission? Simple: put down your mower for one month and give nature a chance to breathe, buzz and bloom.

As Brits, we love a well-tended garden. From suburban semis in Surrey to terraced homes in Yorkshire, our lawns have long been a symbol of pride. But have we ever stopped to ask why? And at what cost?

The British Lawn: A Tradition Due a Rethink

The neatly trimmed lawn has its roots in aristocratic England, where grand estates showcased manicured grounds tended by armies of gardeners. Over time, this look filtered down into our everyday expectations of what a ‘proper’ garden should be. Today, from front gardens to communal greens, lawns are still viewed as the hallmark of order and respectability.

But behind the scenes, these manicured patches of grass are resource-hungry and ecologically barren. They provide little food or shelter for wildlife, and maintaining them often means pouring on fertilisers, using petrol-powered tools, and guzzling water—just to keep things looking “tidy.”

In a country where more than 97% of wildflower meadows have vanished since the 1930s, and one in ten UK wildlife species is at risk of extinction, we can’t afford to keep prioritising appearances over ecosystems.

What is No Mow May?

Started by the UK charity Plantlife, No Mow May is a simple yet powerful idea: leave your lawnmower in the shed for the month of May, and let wildflowers and grasses grow naturally. This gives bees, butterflies, beetles, and birds a vital boost during the early spring season.

In fact, Plantlife’s research shows that a single uncut lawn can produce enough nectar for ten times more bees and pollinators than a regularly mown one. That’s a big impact for such a small change.

This isn’t about letting your garden run wild forever. It’s about giving nature a window of opportunity—and maybe, just maybe, rethinking what our gardens are for.

Lawns and the Cost to the Planet

We might think of lawns as low-maintenance, but keeping them neat often comes at a high environmental cost:

• Water use: In parts of southern England, especially during drier summers, garden watering puts serious pressure on our water supply. Hosepipe bans are becoming more common, yet many still water lawns out of habit, not need.
• Air pollution: A petrol-powered lawnmower emits more pollution per hour than many cars. That’s not ideal when air quality is already a concern in areas like Greater London and Birmingham.
• Noise pollution: Our love of weekend gardening contributes to the low-level drone of suburban life. Skipping the mower gives your neighbours—and the birds—a break, too.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Letting the grass grow—even for just a few weeks—can transform your garden into a temporary haven for insects and birds. You might spot clover, buttercups, daisies, and even wild orchids popping up in unexpected places. These ‘weeds’ are actually lifelines for pollinators, many of which are in serious decline.

And if you want to go a step further? Try rewilding a corner of your garden, planting native wildflowers, or delaying your garden tidy-up until late spring so hibernating insects and overwintering creatures aren’t disturbed too early.

You don’t need to have a large garden to make a difference—window boxes, shared courtyards, or patches of verge all add up. Some councils are even supporting the movement by reducing mowing in parks and on roadside verges to let wildflowers thrive.

A National Effort for a Wilder Britain

From Cornwall to the Cairngorms, Brits are stepping up for wildlife in their own back gardens. It’s part of a bigger movement to reconnect with nature, tackle biodiversity loss, and take practical, hopeful action against climate change.

No Mow May is your chance to be part of it.

Not just a personal choice—but a collective, national effort. So this month, whether you have a garden, a shared green, or even influence over your local council, consider giving your mower a break and letting nature take the lead.