FOREST of Dean District Council is once again backing the national No Mow May campaign by pausing mowing around its offices to help boost biodiversity.

The council is encouraging residents to join in by letting lawns grow wild during May, supporting early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies by allowing wildflowers such as dandelions to flourish.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We’re once again putting the mowers on pause around our Council offices for No Mow May. If you choose to take part too, you’ll be allowing early flowers to bloom and providing a vital boost to pollinators that emerge in spring.”

The move is part of the wider No Mow May campaign run by charity Plantlife, which urges people across the country to leave their lawns untouched to help tackle the alarming decline in biodiversity. According to the campaign, the UK has lost 97% of its flower-rich meadows since the 1930s.

The council added that turning gardens into “mini nature reserves” by letting grass grow, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, avoiding pesticides and creating habitats like bug hotels or ponds can all help restore wildlife.

Even a small patch of unmown grass can make a big difference. With over 20 million gardens in the UK, campaigners say the collective impact could be huge.

No Mow May is seen as the launchpad for long-term change, with the council encouraging residents to keep up the approach through summer with “Let it Bloom June” and beyond.

Residents can join the movement by visiting the Plantlife website, sharing photos of their wild lawns using #NoMowMay, and talking to neighbours and friends to spread the word.

The campaign is one of several nature-focused initiatives the council supports as part of its commitment to tackling the climate and ecological emergencies locally.