This month we are proud to be partnering with Meadfleet to take part in No Mo May across several of our completed developments across Yorkshire and the Midlands. As land managers, Meadfleet has both an opportunity and a responsibility to support wildlife across our open spaces.
Led by Plantlife, No Mo May is a nationwide initiative encouraging landowners and communities to leave greenspaces unmown throughout May. The aim of this is simple but environmentally effective: to give nature the space it needs to recover and thrive in summer months.
Why does it matter?
The UK has lost approximately 97% of its wildflower meadows over the last century. By reducing mowing, we allow grasses and wildflowers to grow naturally, creating habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies as well as birds and other wildlife. Long grasses support the full life cycle of species, providing food, shelter and breeding environments.
This goes beyond biodiversity, as there are real benefits to people too. Having access to natural, less-managed green spaces supports health and wellbeing, helping communities and residents to feel more connected to nature.
What is happening across sites?
Throughout May, green spaces on selected developments will be left to grow, supporting this initiative. At the same time, maintenance will continue in key areas to ensure the space remains safe, accessible and enjoyable to residents and at the end of the month these green spaces will be mowed, and waste will be put in an allocated skip.
We’re also working with Meadfleet to provide community nature events, such a wildlife talks and bug hotel building sessions with the local community, helping residents and locals to understand the wildlife that thrives around them.
Looking beyond May
Longer term, Meadfleet are working with us to create landscaping enhancements that will further support biodiversity, not just in the month of May, and help to manage habitats for nature and wildlife to thrive across our open spaces.
As part of our commitment to sustainability across developments, we are introducing recycled timber products across our sites, from bug hotels to bird and bat boxes. These materials are excess from our sites which we have donated to local community projects, to be upcycled into items that can be reused on our developments – supporting a fully circular economy.
We’d love to hear how you’re getting involved in No Mow May, whether it’s as an individual or as part of a wider community effort?