Bradford Council overhauls No Mow May scheme after criticism

A city council has admitted there is room for improvement in the annual scheme which urges landowners to leave their lawnmowers for a month.

Every year Bradford Council takes part in the national No Mow May campaign, which encourages the growth of wildflowers and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to urban areas.

But at a recent meeting, councilors warned that its “one size fits all” approach was causing problems in areas where children play.

A council spokesman said: “We have developed the initiative further this year but recognize that improvements still need to be made.”

Councilor Marcus Dearden said: “Rewilding and No Mow can help biodiversity in the district, but a one-size-fits-all approach can cause problems in some areas, such as grass verges or parks used by children to play.”

She added that while she supported the scheme, it “has also led to complaints, particularly when the first cutting is done and the cuttings litter the pavements or where plants grow on the pavement, causing difficulties”.

The council said this year’s wet May had led to a higher-than-usual increase.

A spokesman said: “We agree that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in the district and are creating a strategic plan in consultation with area committees for venues for No Mow May next year that involve less clean-up. allowing more time to focus on mowing other areas.

“As we have seen this year, the knock-on effect of No Mow May can be substantial, depending on how quickly the areas grow, and then specialist equipment may be needed to cope with the additional growth.”