Did you know that, in the UK, 97% of native wildflower meadows have disappeared since the 1930s? As a result of this, and other factors, many insects have also seen a huge decline in abundance and diversity. Some surveys point to a reduction of around 64% in the last 20 years.
Insects are a crucial part of the ecosystem and many of them also have a vital role to play in our food production. They help with pollination, pest control, soil quality, decomposition and removal of dead material. The decline of insects in recent years has therefore had a detrimental impact on our food production.
Can you help? Yes!
Take part in No-Mow-May. By simply not mowing your lawn for a month, your patch of green, big or small, has great potential to provide food and shelter for insects. If it is not cut in May, the native wildflowers in your lawn such as daisies, dandelions, clover, selfheal, and buttercups will flower. These can feed many insects such as bees, butterflies and moths; many other insects will find shelter in the longer grass, and they will in turn feed birds, hedgehogs and amphibians. Beyond May, it is very helpful to keep some areas a bit longer to support more species of wildlife.
As much as 30% of Great Britain’s total urban area is made up of residential gardens, according to Royal Horticultural Society. If we all participate in No-Mow-May and nurture wildlife-friendly lawns through and beyond May, our green spaces will create a network of mini-meadows in both cities and the countryside. This will not only provide you with a beautiful wildlife reserve on your doorstep, but will help preserve the future of our kids –including securing the food we eat.
Here are some ideas to work as a family on protecting wild flowers, insects and other little creatures in your back garden:
- Protect your lawn from the “invading” lawn mowers! Use string and these signs to set area (ideally the whole garden during May and corridors on the verge the rest of the year)
- Colour these cards and give them out to friends and family! Share the finished cards with us on Instagram @sustainableamersham #nomowamersham
- At the end of May have a look at what you find using the species spotter.
- If you didn’t last month, investigate your garden’s soil with Plant Your Pants activity sheets. Soil is the pillar of our plant and food production, we need to care for it!
- Register your garden on the No-Mow-May map and give us a shout here and on Instagram @sustainableamersham #nomowamersham.
- Have a look at the Wildlife Trust’s Wild about your Garden campaign. Try Bioblitzing your garden to measure how much biodiversity you have!
- Why not build a Bug Mansion or a Mini-Pond?
- Learn a bit more about Snails and Slugs (hello unsung heroes!).
- Why not read a lovely book to introduce the wonders of a beautiful garden? See some ideas here: The Extraordinary Gardener, Finn’s Garden Friends, Nature Trail, When We Went Wild
- Watch out for some extra activities and walks coming from Wild Amersham!