Our Environment

No Mow May

 

This started as a response to the government supported campaign and has revealed the potential to encourage a wealth of wild flowers and accompanying insects in two areas managed by the Parish Council – the Hayricks and the village green. After reviewing the results with local ecologists, the ‘No Mow’ is now being extended and management of these areas is being reviewed to ensure the continuation of this contribution to local biodiversity, pollinator numbers, carbon-capture; and of course the amenity and education value for local people.

 

The images show the emergence of flowers normally mown before they can appear and attracting insect pollinators.  As the season progresses more will appear.  The plan is to ‘cut and collect’ the Village Green and the Hayricks margins to allow the annual flowering and setting of seeds. The areas will then be cut around the middle of August and the arising material collected and removed. Until that time paths through the longer vegetation will be mowed to facilitate access to explore and enjoy the new resource. There will be opportunities to engage local children and adults in enriching the areas by planting plant plugs of suitable wold species.

 

These changes will be part of a number of improvements planned for the Hayricks where existing play equipment will be refurbished and new equipment added, including some for older youngsters and adults.