This year, we’re supporting No Mow May and allowing natural grassland to grow at two plots across Barnsley.
We’ll be leaving the grass uncut at plots in Locke Park and Cannon Hall Park throughout May as part of our pledge to support the national campaign, which encourages people to not mow gardens and public areas. Leaving the grass uncut can help to stimulate wildflowers, encourage pollinators and potential species reintroductions. At the end of the May, the grass will be cut and the clippings will be removed from these two sites. We are still proceeding with all planned grass and verge maintenance across the borough and for these selected biodiversity sites.
Last year we launched a rewilding scheme at carefully selected plots across our borough. Rewilding is a great way to encourage biodiversity and wildflowers and is part of our ongoing work to make Barnsley more sustainable. After a successful first year, we'll be using our findings to add new areas to our scheme.
Our rewilding plots will continue to be actively maintained and attended to every 18 days. Our team cut the grass around the plots, and paths through the grass in suitable places. This helps to enhance the areas for people to enjoy walking, exercise, and nature. Our rewilding plots will continue to be cut at the end of the grass-cutting season. This is to ensure that sites are left neat and tidy over winter and to help reduce soil fertility (wildflowers thrive in less fertile conditions).
Matt O’Neil, Executive Director for Growth and Sustainability, said: “I’m really pleased we are taking part in No Mow May and looking for new ways to increase biodiversity and make our borough more sustainable.
“We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions as a council to Net Zero by 2040. Increasing biodiversity levels is an important part of this ambition. By managing our grassland differently, we are encouraging potential new pollinators and helping to provide shelter for species.
“By making these small changes, we are hopeful these areas will benefit both wildlife and local people living nearby.”
For more information about No May May, visit the Plantlife website.
Find out more information about our rewilding project and No Mow May on our website.
