No Mow May 2023
Join the buzz to save the bees
Ireland’s wild bees are in trouble and they need our help. There aren’t enough flowers in our landscape to give them the pollen and nectar they need. A new initiative between An Post and the National Biodiversity Centre are inviting you to take part in “No Mow May“.
Native plants like Dandelions provide the best nutrition for our wild bees. They will pop up naturally if we give them a chance. Lock away your lawnmower for the month of May and wait and see what appears. (You will also save yourself a few bob on fuel/electricity!). You might be surprised by what appears over a few short weeks. You might see plants like Dandelions, Red and White Clover, and Birds-foot trefoil, all of which are excellent sources of food for pollinating insects, as well as bees, butterflies, and birds, all attracted by the feast on your lawn!
By letting your grass grow in May, you might also spot these common native species;
Common native Irish Species.
Mowing less from April until September is one of the best ways you can help pollinators. If you remove the grass clippings when you do mow, this slowly reduces the fertility of the soil, allowing native wildflowers to grow naturally. There are a couple of pollinator-friendly mowing regimes you could adopt. Even managing a section or strip of your lawn in this way can make a difference, or a mixture of different regimes.
If you spot any of these native Irish species above, please submit your sightings to the National Biodiversity Centre here; https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/start-recording
Don’t have a lawn?
Chives Plant
Don’t worry, you can still help the bees! You can help by planting pollen and nectar rich herbs like Thyme, Chives, Lavender or Oregano in pots and window box’s. A fest for you AND the bees!
Find out more about how you can help our pollinators
Pollinator-friendly grass cutting
How-to guide: Creating and restoring meadows in local communities and gardens
Top Ten Actions for Pollinators
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