International report – UK: Brits urged to avoid pruning to protect biodiversity

From our correspondent in London,

In the tall grass of this London garden, a small black cat sleeps in the sun. Since last year, Casper’s foreman Michael Dinsmore has been putting the mower back on when spring arrives.

” I started at the end of April. We have a small garden, but I won’t mow until at least the end of the month. “, he explains. “ Even in our small garden, when we sit in the garden on weekends, we see bumblebees, bees… it’s a relaxing place. My cat loves it too! And it’s so easy to do! »

The teacher is inspired by the school she works at, Woodmanstern School. A large square with tall grass, young trees and wildflowers, on soccer and basketball fields. ” We cut nothing but the path “, continues Michael Dinsmore. “ When the grass grows, biodiversity improves: we have many wild flowers, blueberries, poppies; It attracts many insects. It’s great for invertebrates! In a month, we see grasshoppers and birds: starlings, titmouses, black tigers. »

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Here, there is no mower throughout the year. This space allows students (kindergarten to high school) to learn more about the food chain, nature. However, there are some precautions that should be taken. ” With the paths we have discovered, children can avoid nettles and brambles. The only problem is that since it’s plants … until June it can be irritating for people with hay fever “, he admits.

See your garden in a different light

target No Mow May, No Mower Month, June 1 isn’t about picking up a gasoline mower. Jo Rigel is the grass manager for No Mau May’s initiative and NGO Plantlife, based in the North of England. ” We encourage people to experiment, to look at their garden in a different light, to keep experimenting, to see what flowers will grow in June, July… and then we recommend a mixed approach to the lawn. Joe underlines Rick.

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That means short patches of grass for flowers that attract bees and tall areas that provide food and shelter for birds, amphibians and hedgehogs. Individuals take part, but Jo Rickall estimates that schools and municipal councils like Woodmanstern can have a significant impact.

“ There are over 23 million gardens in the UK. All of these grass patches together can increase the diversity of garden flora and fauna. Creating a network of livable spaces is important for biodiversity. »

Although the British are attached to their impeccably mown lawns, Plantlife claims several thousand participants.