No Mow May - Is It REALLY Worth It?

In this video I discuss why I think the No Mow May concept is harming our wildlife and what you should be doing with your lawn/green space instead.
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Joel Ashton
#NoMowMay #NoMowSummer #Garden #JoelAshton #GardeningForWildlife #Gardening #WildflowerMeadow #Wildflowers #NectarLawn #Grass #Mowing #Lawnmower #WildYourGarden #GardeningTips #Gardening #Meadow

[@Roy-gi5ul]

Absolute common sense. As i reach my 82nd year, I have come to appreciate the new wildness of my garden since my diminishing mobility has reduced with a seemingly sudden old age! My garden is now a nesting habitat for a range of wild birds and a joy to behold!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Roy, thank you SO much for this. Wise words, and I am so glad that you get to sit and reap the rewards of doing LESS work! Very best wishes to you, would love to see this garden of yours and chat about everything it now attracts.

[@hara3435]

And hedgehogs which needs a wild garden ❤

[@user-fv8rn4gi3x]

19 minutes of absolute common sense that people should be listening to and adopting. Well done Joel 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, so much. I'd had enough yesterday, seeing more misinformation and bandwagon jumping on social media etc just sent me! I've been wanting to do this for a few years now but the thought of the onslaught and continued ignoring and avoiding the issue via some (!) just compelled me to do this. I'm beyond waiting for people to have joined-up thinking and advertise this fact to the larger audience they have. I'm very lucky that I work for myself and am not bound to an employer about what I am and what I am not allowed to say etc! Thanks for your support on this, I really do appreciate it. Best wishes, Joel

[@user-fv8rn4gi3x]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton again it’s needed and you’ve taken the time and with your following hopefully the correct way gets spread to the wider audience now. Too many I fluebcers and others who just jump on things with no knowledge or as you say are doing what their employer wants 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@martintaylor4453]

Councils love it because it involves no outlay. They never ever pass the savings on to residents!

[@phedrob3735]

The other thing to consider is that grass left longer and thicker actually creates it's own microclimate and becomes almost self watering with morning dew and giving full shade thus preventing the soil drying out

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this! This video was rather ad-hoc and I tried to fit in as much info as I could. I saw something on social media at lunch and it compelled me to jump out of the digger, find a spot and let people know. I couldn't go another year without doing something! Thanks ever so much - Joel

[@kingfisher3011]

Regarding the micro climate This year i have added in plants which prefer damp meadows as an experiment yellow and purple loosestrife meadowsweet St Johns Wort etc it will be interesting to see how this fares this Summer !

[@willstokes123]

I remember a few years back when everyone's gardens went brown in the summer when there was no rain. My garden stayed green because I left the grass longer.

[@kingfisher3011]

@willstokes123 This is my second year for no mow summer ! Trust me even if it's just long grass the seed heads provide food for goldfinches and cover for small mammals and amphibians Its not always about flowers ! Having said that I have now counted 30 species in my tiny mini meadow lol The rewards far outweigh the stigma from the snooker table stripe brigades

[@davs3208]

I work for a local authority and we are looking to reduce use of herbicides and help pollinators and wildlife in general. No mow May is a toe dip into changing Victorian attitudes to gardening. I agree with it being a flawed concept. I have championed ideas from this channel and our great Biodiversity Officer to introduce them to the large areas of land we 'maintain'. I think when the wider public realise the beauty of the sight of wildlife occupying our spaces rather than aesthetic tidiness, they will appreciate what is out there on their doorstep. No mow May is a baby step in the right direction but it will be raising awareness to the general public that will change perception of 'unsightly' long grass into a haven for mutually beneficial wildlife.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Just fantastic to read this! I'm really grateful for you letting me know, but it goes back way longer than the victorians when it comes to neat lawns and no mowing etc. I am half way through a video on all that, I really should finish it! But this video was ad-hoc after reading another load of misinformation and ambiguity on social media and I thought "now or never" - I'm just so pleased with the response to this video, I really am. And I'm grateful for you letting me know about this. Keep fighting and give my BEST regards to the Bio Diversity Officer who sounds like the perfect person for the role! Would love to come and interview you both actually - not obligatory but I think it would help set an example even further. Best wishes to you both - Joel

[@royfinch8644]

It'd be great if Local Councils could liaise in some way on this! I spoke to our Climate Change Officer on signing up to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society regarding stickers for mowers/strimmers for operatives but I'm sure that nothing was done.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@royfinch8644 Keep fighting Roy, don't give up and keep pressurising them - I know what it feels like to be ignored, believe me. But when it comes to the wildlife and the damage that is done, I won't relent. Best wishes, Joel

[@juliehutchison8084]

Glad I’ve seen this comment, I too am a councillor. People expect public spaces to be kept mown, yet it’s public spaces and Victorian planting that inspire some gardeners. Breaking the cycle is what’s needed , and we desperately need more environmentally minded people on our councils to make this transition normalised. Only 3% of people volunteer in this country. Being a the minority is exhausting. So please people, step up.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@juliehutchison8084 I wish you were MY councillor Julie! I am more than happy to help spread the word with councils and I do understand the feeling of being "alone" in this but the comments under this video already are so refreshing. So many people want to see more verges left, more greenspaces - I am not sure if you have watched the video I linked to at the end of this one, but this might give you even more reason to fight: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3XRcpqGbK58jMU Thanks for this, you've really helped improve my day already! Best wishes, Joel

[@lyndalambert9639]

I've always thought No mow May sounded good but was beset with dangers to wildlife. Good to hear someone like yourself promoting the idea of No mow Summer and other ideas which will help wildlife for those who cannot do this, me being one of them. 💚

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Lyn, you've always been there for me and supported me. I was just saying that I appreciate I am lucky enough to work for myself and therefore have no bosses or employers to toe the line with or have to watch what I say or who I upset. I'm beyond caring about the ignoring of my message and ostracising that comes with speaking out. But you know me, it's always about the wildlife and despite taglines and PR I do wonder if it's about money rather than the wildlife a lot of the time. Flashbacks to my run-in with the RHS etc! 🤣🤣

[@lyndalambert9639]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I think you are right to question some of the taglines . Sadly these days it seems as if funds to save our declining wildlife are so stretched , sometimes questionable decisions are made but with the Wildlife charities I feel they mostly get it right. Commercial organisations often fail badly in my humble opinion.

[@klmrk9961]

What people don't seem to understand is that you don't have to let all of your lawn/garden grow into a meadow. You can mow paths or areas where you can walk around. Makes it feel a lot more tidy and welcoming too. (I wrote this before I heard you mention it in the video...)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this - time for larger organisations to point this out and give it the same voice as the usual tagline - thanks so much for this, appreciated - best wishes, Joel

[@bikeybikebike]

I tend to find the areas where I actually walk regularly on my grass don't need paths mowing, it stays short naturally.

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

I find I’m more interested in walking my land when there are paths instead of wide open spaces. In the US we have prairie land state and national parks that have mown trails through the prairies. They are lovely and you don’t have to get too close to potentially dangerous wildlife hiding in the tall grass.

[@user-qs7gx7rp7m]

Excellent ! Started doing that 4-5 years ago on an acre of back & side yards 20% 40 yr- old pine on the north side. My lawn paths were easy duty. Let the pine yard take care of itself and the rest of the yards was wonderful wild flowers blooming together or in turn as the season moved on. First time in my life lazyness really worked . . .

[@s.mernstsons8402]

I left my back lawn for three months last year.It was a joy to see all the butterflies and bees.however,after mowing I realised I have multiple ant nests and the foxes have dug deep dens. I'm not quite sure what to do now! I'm keeping long borders and I'm happy that my pond is full of newts..

[@formicapple2]

I mow my front garden but my back garden never gets mowed these days. The wildlife is absolutely amazing now. I have a wildlife pond which is a magnet for everything.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

One of the most vital habitats, for so much life. I'm so buoyed by all these wonderful comments, and so far no backlash! 🤣 Thanks ever so much for all your support and encouragement, particularly on this. Best wishes, Joel

[@louisegogel7973]

Thanks for this! A lot of my edible greens are in my yard… dandelion, plantain, cleavers, nettles, strawberries, thyme, etc I mow paths around the flowers and alternate leaving the paths to grow long, so the yard is half meadow all the time, esp areas where I can leave the grass etc all summer. We don’t have hedgehogs in Vermont. I do mow high though, and have a ton of beautiful light shows in summer evenings… lightening bugs!.

[@arnhaze6134]

I never cut last year, felt guilty cutting even at the end of the year. This year I will leave it and do the one cut in October. Thanks!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you! So pleased to see everyone's comments and support under this video, I thought it'd be rather controversial and I'd be battling some people but every person here understands the importance of this message and I'm so glad that it is reaching so many people. I'm really grateful for the encouragement and support - have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@Debbie-henri]

So glad to see this video. I retired my mower in 2003 and just let the grass do its thing. Every year since, Mum Nature has gifted me with a new wild flower - a range of Vetches, a Scabious, Bluebells galore - spreading out from nearby woods, and Wood Anemones have decided to come bavk in and give it another go. I do have Cowslips surviving in this 'No Mow Ever' area, only I planted them at the foot of south facing shrub. The shrubs appear to offer the grass just enough competition to keep them a bit tamer and that seems to be enough to let the Cowslips flourish. This year (so far) I've had a couple of birdlife surprises too. Saw a Red Kite hunting in the field part of my garden and, only yesterday, as I was clearing some of last year's dead Rosebay Willow Herb stems from the front garden - I very nearly put my hand on a nesting Pheasant. She was amazingly well camouflaged among the dead stalks, and it was only the blink of her beady black eye that startled me into realising she was there at all.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I love reading your messages Debbie, you always have proof that gardening with wildlife in mind is so very rewarding by sharing your experience, and the results that you get. It costs more, but when mowing my client meadows I have at least one member of staff walking in front with a long cane and disturbing the area, the noise of the machinery usually works but it's always best to be safe than to be sorry. Best wishes, Joel

[@jonathanlever9402]

Living proof that even clearing dead stems has an impact

[@D-H-D]

Superb Joel. I get my notepad and pencil for every one of your videos! Recently cleared 2000m² of brambles and created a butterfly garden only to find it was previously ancient woodland and a sea of bluebells erupted! No cost to the client and yet we found a long lost treasure - so thank you 👍💪

[@dmnos6824]

The brambles were a habitat also and good for biodiversity, maybe your client still has some. I am a newbie to biodiversity so I can't preach.

[@D-H-D]

They are indeed but the property is vast and as highlighted in the video, we were looking to expand the already rich mosaic that exists 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Daniel! Sorry for the delay, just trying to get through everyone's wonderful comments. I know I've not managed to keep up with you but it sounds like you're doing fantastic stuff. If you get time then do send some photos but the email is now [e-mail]. It's been manic this side, absolutely manic but would love to catch up properly - I've certainly not forgotten you (you lucky person living in France!!) - best wishes, Joel

[@Sorrowful000]

@@dmnos6824 Brambles offer food and shelter for lots of different animal species, but if you don't keep them in check they will be the only plant you have left

[@myggggeneration]

@@D-H-D If brambles are blackberries, were you able to remove them without distrubing the soil? We have large patches of blackberrys on our property and I'd rather grow grasses and wild plants to let grow as they want to.

[@deanablythe9394]

A great video explanation about No Mow May which has become a buzzphrase here in England, thank you.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Deanna, so much - I'm so thrilled that this video is reaching so many people, really grateful for the support - best wishes, Joel

[@lisaroberts8135]

ThankYou for this video , I was going to do no mow May ! Now I’m going to do no mow summer with at least half of my lawn !

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

This, this THIS! This makes taking that 30 mins out of work worth every moment. So pleased to read this - thank you Lisa

[@lisaroberts8135]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton My barrel pond is starting to go green with an algae, what do I do to fix it please?

[@louisegogel7973]

@@lisaroberts8135There is a company that helps waterbodies regain their vitality. CLEAN-FLO. They use aerators and the natural bacteria of a healthy water system. They’ve helped pig farmers get the smells from the manure gone,,, the bacteria just go wild with that and in a few days the smell are gone, happier neighbors, happier marriages.

[@louisegogel7973]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshtonI’m also going to mow less area and have less work, but I can’t fully not mow, or I’d have a total tangle around the pond in which I swim. I do mow paths especially along the border of the woods and pond… bittersweet, which strangles whatever it grows on, takes over if I don’t keep a sharp look out and pull them when they’re small. I have a ton of wildlife in my Vermont, USA yard and so many different plants and flowers just from mowing so little.

[@stevemcgarrett24]

I’ve been doing this for a few years now Joel. My back garden is solely for wildlife and that in turn brings me great pleasure. Since I left the garden to Mother Nature, I have seen an increase in biodiversity, both flora and fauna. I even have wild orchids for the first time but also beautiful pendulous sedges and ferns plus numerous medicinal plants. The increase in butterflies and bees is breathtaking but also beetles and grasshoppers. Foxes come to lay in the tall vegetation along with the occasional deer. That to me is what a garden should be, not a neat and sterile space.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic to read this Steve, thank you so much. A great advert for thinking of the wildlife when gardening and of course a great testimony for all the rewards it brings. I hope a lot of people get to read your comment, best wishes - Joel

[@stevemcgarrett24]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks Joel but I’m only confirming what your fabulous video says, so thanks for sharing. All the very best, Steve

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@stevemcgarrett24 Experiences and evidence like yours is so very important and really does help the message Steve, thank you so much

[@SisterDogmata]

Hey Joel! One of your best videos to date! It's so easy not to mow your lawn and the benefits are huge. I mow round the edge of my front garden then do a shear cut at the end of October. So many moths, butterflies and insects last year, grasshoppers and three voles. The Robin is already picking insects out for it's young and in the Autumn the grass seed heads attract the finches. I don't think many of my neighbours approve but I don't much care. Hope you convince more people to adopt this as it's benefits are amazing. Best wishes.

[@Debbie-henri]

Perhaps calculate how much money you saved and how much CO2 your mower would otherwise have produced. Some people respond to financial benefits, some who think they are environmentally friendly (by only going so far as using the right recycling bin) might be interested in the way you lower your carbon footprint. Plus, there's nothing to stop you constantly adding new and pretty wild flowers to the lawn. I would suggest Scabious. Despite all the mucking about flower breeders do, none have managed to get quite that shade of blue with such a delicate flower. Cowslips and daisies around the edges. I know Hens and Chickens isn't native, but bees love it all the same and it would add a really eye-catching orange. Pink Champion is always a nice addition, and I rescued a white flowering Campion - much to the amusement of some burly roadworkers last year. White Campion is a very clean, brilliant white. The odd fern, of course. That wouldn't go amiss in a shady spot. Hart's Tongue ferns are quite exotic looking if you have a damp shady corner of the lawn. Bluebells and Snowdrops look great, but they will take over in the Spring months, So if you have a large front lawn area, it will take them years to colonise it. Hay Rattle is one Joel has recommended before now I believe. Wild Strawberries too. They are remarkably tough and creep about steep, sun soaked, uncut road verges where I live. In damp, partial shade, mossy shade, or areas that get boggy now and again, there's Carex species and Whortleberry (as some call it locally. But otherwise known as Bilberry, Blaeberry or European Blueberry. Remains small, edible blue berry). Welsh Poppy, or you could plump for the superior hybrid Meconopsis 'Frances Perry's (same insects visit it). A handful of Forget-Me-Not seeds. They'll come up where they can. And one of my neighbours has Chicory coming up through his grass. It always looks a lovely 'different' shade of blue. I have this little white Chrysanthemum like flower called White Ptarmigan, it's a naturalised garden escape, but looks lovely among long grasses. Bees really seem to like it a lot. Lungwort around the edges, in partial/dappled shade. Very pretty plant. Makes a good old solid clump after a few years. Alkanet grows down one of my local roads in one spot. Has a very distinct small but royal blue flower, tall enough to thrive among long grasses. Meadowsweet grows taller than grass, but smells lovely and fresh. Pignuts - if you can get the seeds. I have millions of the plants but I saw some seeds for sale on eBay a few times. Lovely feathery foliage, small umbrellas of tiny white flowers, the very specific food plant of the unusual black moth known as the Sweep or Chimney Sweeper. Bird's Foot Trefoil is a must and if you don't get problems with slugs and snails your way you could add Kidney Vetch, which will attract one of those little blue butterfly species (forget which one. Adonis Blue?) Water Betony. Avens. Shrubby Potentillas. Cuckoo Pint. Anyway, when you start getting a wealth of flowers among the grasses, people stop complaining about it, spying out the new flowers instead, because unlike a mown lawn, tended flowerbeds of spring/summer bedding plants, snipped privet hedges and shrubberies, meadows are constantly changing with successions of species. I think they must be one of the very few environments that do.

[@SisterDogmata]

@@Debbie-henri Great advice! I added some wild flowers last year so hoping they grow.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@SisterDogmata - finally reached your comment! So sorry for the delay, but there have been so many wonderful comments on this video and I'm slowly making my way through them. I really do appreciate this and your continued support and encouragement, I knew you'd be in there somewhere and I knew that you'd be doing this already and I'm so grateful for you sharing your experience and in turn encouraging others. Best wishes and hope you and yours are having a good weekend - Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton No worries Joel, I'll always be watching, you don't have to reply! Hope a lot of people will make this basic change to their idea of a lawn, it will make so much difference. Have a great weekend.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@SisterDogmata You too, thanks so much, as always ☺

[@ThePkb22]

Totally agree. My garden never gets mowed. Parts of it get a light hand trim in the autumn and other parts get a light hand trim in the early spring and that's it. I had a right moan at my local council who mowed down a vast field close to my house in the first week of August 2021. A year later they left it and i discovered a wasp species new to the UK that would never have been present had they repeated the cut back. A year after that, we had Wasp spiders recorded in the field for the first time. Our obsession with neatness is SO harmful to our wildlife.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Wow! Thanks so much for this, sorry for the delay in acknowledging you but so many wonderful comments here and I don't want anyone feeling I ignored them! So good to read about this and what a fantastic result. I really appreciate the support and encouragement and am so grateful to people like you that stand up for the wildlife and get results! Well done, and have a great weekend - best wishes, Joel

[@bigmama2135]

Because of you Joel and your videos, I've just put a micro/mini wildlife pond in my small garden which now joins the barrel pond from last year. I've planted a wildflower patch and will now do a no mow except for strips to walk on until october. I'm championing wildlife and nature by liberating my tiny city garden from its former scalped lawns, strimmed edges, clipped hedges and barren habitat. Joel, you are making a difference! Thank you from this Dublin city dweller across the pond.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It is messages like yours that keep me buoyed and keep me going, the channel is growing day by day and although it's taken a while I do appreciate that it's not a "regular" gardening programme etc and it's still rather niche, but I want people to have the right information to hand and the harder I work at relaying this message the more the wildlife actually benefits. Very best wishes, and I really appreciate the encouragement and support. Joel

[@LonelyHunter995]

I can’t wait until I have a garden. My balcony now is full of flower pots and some small trees, but I’d love a garden just full with wildflowers and a pond. You’re definitely inspiring.

[@livingwithosteoarthritis.]

In Bath Somerset the council leave grass areas uncut and put a sign up pretty much saying what you have. But we all know it’s to save money. Still everyone is a winner

[@Debbie-henri]

And councils should be saving money in this way. If I haven't mowed the grass in my garden for 21 years for the sake of the wildlife - why am I paying my local council £500 extra this year to help them mow miles of verge that won't impede the view for traffic and countless areas of lawn around the county's towns?

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

I have a side yard which I can't reach with the mower. I thought it would benefit wildlife. My new neighbor didn't like the way it looked and started mowing it. She progressed to trying to kill my bushes. I had to build a fence to get her to leave my property alone. Unfortunately she also sprays against mosquitoes.

[@ChopsyMiche]

I loved this💚 Thank you so much Joel for speaking out about this, and spreading wonderful words. Huge respect to you for doing this. I've also thought myself that no mow for May is actually really destructive to the wildlife. I am completely behind you with everything you said. May the summer be full of beautiful spaces filled with wildlife, and may the hedgerows be a most wonderful work of art, filled with wild flowers of the most stunning colors, all hugging and gently nodding in a breeze, while offering up their goodness to the passing pollinators. Thank you for spreading the magic, beautifully put🌻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

... and I love that you loved it! I really appreciate all the support and kind words, the encouragement you've shown me. And there you go again, putting everything so wonderfully - thanks Miche, so much!

[@ChopsyMiche]

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I am just delighted you put this out there. This is precious information and will make a difference. You truly are a good soul. Your family must be very proud of you🥰

[@irishcottagerenovation9900]

Totally agree! I hope people take this onboard. I’m lucky to have land here in west of Ireland. I have tried to make a MOSAIC, short grass, no mow summer, untouched areas and ponds. It’s always full of insects, little creatures and birds. Your videos inspired me in the beginning so thank you Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Sounds perfect - thanks so much for your encouragement and support and letting me know the time these videos take isn't wasted :) I really appreciate it - best wishes, Joel

[@lotus.b.lazuli2020]

Exactly. I agree. The most important point is the fact it's actually quite an immoral thing to do; to invite a microcosm of life to thrive so temporarily, and cutting it down in its prime. It speaks volumes though, doesn't it? Our society instils that notion of disposability. When something is disposable, you don't tend to hold it in very high regard. It's just unfortunate we apply that to the natural world!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Beautifully put Lotus, but to be honest I expected to less of you :) Thanks so much for your support. Best wishes, Joel

[@thelittlethingsinlife239]

Excellent points raised Joel. We keep the borders of our garden wild for this reason. It really isn't difficult and like yourself I wish more people would get on board. Thanks for highlighting this mate 🙂👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks for your support - it means a lot. I'm so pleased with the reaction this video has had. It's been a long time coming but I certainly felt it necessary, and to shout louder on the best social media platform out there. Very best wishes, Joel

[@cawstongreenway]

I've been saying this for ages. Thanks Joel for putting a bit of science/common sense behind it 😀

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I know the feeling! I wish there wasn't so much "fad" PR, people getting on bandwagons etc and giving out such ambiguous information to people. For the last 20 years I've watched the gardening for wildlife angle grow and grow, and in the last couple of years it really has escalated - which of course is a good thing, if people are given the right information. The amount of "nature garden" advice I've read makes my toes curl! 20 years ago it was a struggle to get clients to put up a bird box or two, so I've watched it all slowly gather pace and again it's a good thing but after seeing more misinformation on social media during lunch yesterday I felt compelled to do this. I know my viewers here are here because they care, genuinely, about making sanctuaries for nature - but it's the wider audience that need the right information and I just can't reach everyone. Best wishes, Joel

[@haroldspanier9185]

A garden for wildlife. Thank you for posting. Enjoyed

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Harold, I appreciate the support - best wishes, Joel

[@gillb9222]

Ive left my grass and I love the shape and the movement of the longer grass, it looks so lush and green. I love more natural spaces but my neighbours hate me

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haters gonna hate.... ;) But I'm glad you're above that and don't go with the flow - do see the follow-up video that I did after this one and you'll know exactly why your neighbours feel this way and can't see outside the boxes they've been conditioned to stay in. Best wishes, Joel

[@judithhope8970]

I was very concerned about this when we did a no mow May several years ago. We only left a swathe of grass to get long but cut around it and left it till late September. We nibbled at it with the shears when It was time cut cut it down. It wasn't a massive space so this wasn't too arduous, and we gradually removed the long grass. The lawn recovered completely and last year we didn't do the swathe. I think we will this year. I haven't mentioned it to my husband yet....but I will. Our hedgehogs were in and out of it all the time and the birds enjoyed the long grass too.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to read this Judith, sorry it's taken a while to catch up but so many wonderful comments here, including yours and I'm really grateful for you sharing your experience and the encouragement and support. Very best wishes, as always - Joel

[@2frogland]

i mow mine regularly and will keep doing so including winter if it starts to grow , the clover flowers feed thousands of bees miner and bumble, i have plenty of other habitat in the borders beds and hedges

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - this is exactly what I have been trying to explain, shorter areas can be just as good as longer areas, and as you are already doing, it's way better than creating temporary habitats :) Best wishes, Joel

[@orpheuscreativeco9236]

I did this last year and it was awesome 👍 I mowed a total of 3 times all 2023. The local fauna were definitely appreciative. We attracted swathes of dragonflies who ate all the mosquitoes 🙌✨ The local ordinances for renters frown upon this practice though 😕 One last thing, our property was MUCH cooler in the summer months and into the evening due to evaporative cooling (I assume). 👍

[@helenporter7584]

26 orchids grow on my front lawn after starting cuts later and then cutting around them. Also have a number of areas I mow in September and number of insects has been commented on.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

This is so good to read Helen, thank you - so many wonderful comments here, it's made the lunch-break video SO worth it already! Very best wishes, and have a good weekend - Joel

[@Aengus42]

French road verges are a riot of wildflowers! They're absolutely stunning!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely they are! One of the first things I noticed about France, that and the brilliant wildlife bridges that they have over the motorways, fencing so wildlife don't venture onto the major roads too... just way ahead of us - best wishes, Joel

[@Aengus42]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Vive l'entente cordiale! 🇬🇧🤝🇫🇷 ☮️😃

[@Thewildmanwoods]

So good to hear this …I’ve been saying the same for many years….best to have long areas with a few paths …cut carefully so not to damage anything 🍀🎋🌿

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you! Sorry for the delay in acknowledging you, so many wonderful comments on here like yours and I really appreciate the support. There have been too many deaf ears in the last few years, seeing more misinformation and ambiguity on social media during a lunch break compelled me to film this ad-hoc video there and then. I'm so grateful for everyone's encouragement, I really am. Have a great weekend - best wishes, Joel

[@melissadallisonx]

This video, and many more of your videos, has motivated me to leave a patch of our lawn for a no mow summer! I have a newish build garden but I have planted trees, built a barrel pond, left ‘weeds’ to grow and now can’t wait to see what visits the patch I’ve left. I definitely have a resident toad so I hope he enjoys it 🙂

[@helenhawkins4054]

Makes complete sense, well said.👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Helen, hope you're having a great weekend - best wishes, Joel

[@folkingadams]

Well said. Same , I’ve worked in meadows and in gardens for many years and I have found my self coming to same view. In my own garden I have wildflower all over the place, then cut in autumn , some I leave to overwinter too .

[@tomjordan4833]

I like this advice. Have been struggling a bit with no mow may as it’s such long thick grass to deal with in June. So was planning this year to cut the bits i want to be lawn from the start, but leave other areas wild. So pleased this will be easier for me and better for wildlife as well.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Tom, I really appreciate this - sorry it's taken me a little while to be able to acknowledge you, but I am so buoyed by comments like yours and the support and encouragement from everyone. Very best wishes, Joel

[@DavidHaughton70]

Total common sense Joel! This really needs bringing to the attention of the mainstream media... Garderners World, Countryfile etc. We need to educate and drive adoption to provide rich green spaces for our invertebrates, birds and mammals. It's so easy and literally no effort!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you David - you've hit the nail on the head, and it's one of the reasons that set me off yesterday. I've been banging on about this for over three years now, and giving all the info required but it does highlight who is actually interested in the wildlife and how it might or might not cope, and who is more interested in bandwagon jumping and something to fill magazines, like most recent fads. But yesterday I saw another myriad of social media posts, usually from "experts" etc (!) that continue to give people ambiguous or little to no information - it's all this "see what comes up in your lawn!" rather than "check out what you've cut down in it's prime when you get the mower out". I'm fully aware that I'm lucky to be self-employed so I don't have bosses or other organisations that I'm beholden to or have to worry about what I say, but believe me I've been ostracised over this, ignored etc and yesterday was the reason for this ad-hoc video and stopping work to do this. I am absolutely so pleasantly surprised at the reaction this video has received, and so heartened by the amount of people that genuinely care, I really am. I don't have the reach of larger organisations with louder voices and bigger audiences of course but I am hoping this video gets shared by people, even once to just one other person. Thanks ever so much for your encouragement and support, it means a lot! Best wishes, Joel

[@DavidHaughton70]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Well I'm so pleased you made the time make this video and go into so much detail. It's certainly given me something to think about. I live in a woodland and have a patch of grass I keep short but I'm careful to leave areas around the edge and around pathways I never touch. We have an incredibly rich diversity of wildlife and it brings me so much joy to care for our little patch. I see you've interviewed a number of much loved experts and maybe reaching out to them for their support could help. I suspect here you maybe preaching to the converted and it's often the "average person in the street" who could do with understanding watching this video. Anyway. Just discovered your channel today. The content you're making is great! Cheers! D

[@cajb2977]

We are lucky to have a large garden and have slowly been getting the nerve to leave larger and larger areas un-mown. I love seeing the wildlife we get. Planning the wildlife pond also 😊.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic, I'm just so thrilled at all these positive comments and people completely understanding that I'm doing this for the benefit of the wildlife people clearly care about. Thanks so much for this, I really appreciate it. Best wishes - Joel

[@amandarobinson352]

I have thought this every year and stopped doing it because there were so many beetles in the grass and other insects getting squashed by the lawn mower. So seems pointless. Well done for promoting this.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Amanda, I really appreciate this. I've had wonderful support, despite raising this for a few years now. It seemed to fall on deaf-ears and I and others ended up being ignored - so after reading even more misinformation on social media last week it compelled me to do this video. I appreciate I'm lucky enough to be self-employed and have no bosses or management to seek permission from before sticking my head above the parapet, but when it comes to the wildlife I won't relent. Very best wishes, and thanks again - Joel

[@Jimmyandtony]

Another great video! I am growing one section of my yard space as a nectar lawn and another as a no mow summer section. I always look forward to new videos! Keep up the great work!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Jimmy, I really appreciate this

[@janestringer7225]

Another very informative and passionate video, Thank you Joel! Love your channel as I have learnt so much.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Jane! I am just getting my head around all these wonderful comments under this video, it really means a lot that there's already so much support out there for this, and I'm very grateful. Best wishes, and thank you again - Joel

[@lindseyravenemrich9279]

This is so wonderful, to hear this from a trusted professional is so valuable. it’s so hard navigating what to do for the best in our garden spaces and this has given me such food advise. I really do appreciate all you do, please keep it up. ❤

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Lindsey, I really REALLY appreciate this. Comments like yours keep me buoyed and determined. I think it might be clear already that only the wildlife is my "boss" (along with some brilliant clients of course!) and I'm not going to stop ensuring that our creatures' voices get louder and louder. With so many brilliant willing people out there like you we really can make such a huge difference, and I'm grateful - best wishes, Joel

[@ronroelevink7097]

I love how you make this easy to grasp. And I also very much like that you adress people working for the council etc. A lot is already done but in some places they keeping doing their weekly or twice-mowing , most of the time resulting in messy lawns ( you can't expect them to go around with a broom afterwords) and must be quite boring for the person who does it. By not or less mowing , workhours can be safed or at least spent elsewhere. I know places where parks, that are really supposed to be big gardens, are negelected. Maybe they can put more time and love in them instead.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Agreed! It seems it's not just the UK of course, and you make some good points, as usual. Thank you for all the encouragement and support - best wishes, Joel

[@speak4003]

Less work, expense and better for wildlife; what's not to like! Your advice with my own wildlife pond has been invaluable and I can't thank you enough for keeping me going to make it right. My little patch which I've been keeping 'tidy' won't see a mower other than a pathway or two.

[@CheshireCat6639]

Brilliant vlog Joel. I forwarded to my local Housing Trust who are in charge of 'open spaces' , and I actullay got a Thankyou reply and I think it has been watched. I said..'every little helps'....and that you are an inspiration and so passionate about our beautiful local wild life 🦋🐝🐞🐜🦗🐛( I also said our little 🌻dandies are not weeds)😮😂😂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much. I'm pretty overwhelmed at the response to this video and the wonderfully positive comments, it's not that I didn't think people would believe me but I've been fighting this for over 3 years and now I finally feel heard! I am so grateful for you sending this on to the housing association, I'm willing to work with and help everyone that wants to make a difference to the creatures so desperately in need of our help right now. I really appreciate this - best wishes, Joel

[@RM-li9ty]

Brilliant important video. I would love this to be promoted through a collective social media campaign perhaps from the wildlife trusts and associates so it reaches a wider audience who maybe aren’t so invested or aware of the benefits. 🐦‍⬛🦋🐝

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much. Believe me, I have been shouting about this for 3-4 years now and haven't been acknowledged once by the larger organisations. I do know that I have no boss or manager to ask permission of before I speak out of course, but larger organisations have a bigger reach, naturally and it's been frustrating that the tagline NO MOW MAY remains, despite what they might want to add in the relative small print. We know McDonalds and the "loving it" tagline, we know Nike and "just do it" - these taglines stick, people rarely read more into it. I can say though that after 3-4 years of shouting about this I had enough the other day, and this rather ad-hoc video was off the back of reading more misinformation and ambiguity on a social media platform. I knew I'd be sticking my head above the parapet, but when it comes to our wildlife suffering I'll do it again and again. I'm just so grateful for everyone's support here and letting me know I'm no longer shouting into a void. Very best wishes, and have a great weekend - Joel

[@thaojuli]

I don't know why people there do mow in may, but from your video I understand why we shouldn't mow in summer. You are a hero in wildlife 😊, I think many people there appreciate what you do. And I hope many people don't mow in summer 🪴🪴🪴🐛🐛🐛🦋🦋🦋🐝🐝🐝🐞🐞🐞🪻🪻🪻🍀🍀🍀

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Thao, I really appreciate this and your care and concern from so far away. As you know, I just felt I needed to do something now with the information, I couldn't let it go another year, even if it makes me some enemies! I do this for the wildlife, and no other reason at all. Very best wishes, Joel

[@thaojuli]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton all people now have to give our arm for the wildlife before too late. We can see Nature Mom is getting angry about what people did in the past years, special in Vietnam... ☹️

[@Natureneedsus]

Yes! This is my first year of no mow summer, I don’t even take out the “weeds” I also didn’t like a too large a grass area so I built 4 ponds and attached them all with the surroundings, wildflower meadows etc. I will share this to my public Facebook group, I am trying to gently educate folk from there and practice what I preach at the same time haha thanks Joel. August is as important as June

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Sounds like heaven to me! I do hope this video gets shared to as many wildlife gardeners as possible and those about to embark on the No Mow May - I really appreciate your help and willingness to share this. Thanks so much - Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I just found you on facebook and joined! What a fantastic group you have - great work!

[@Natureneedsus]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton happy days thank you 🙏🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@Natureneedsus Thank YOU! 🥰

[@peaseblossom4252]

Thank you so much! This video is perfectly timed. I have more bandwidth this year and wish to start turning our front and back yards into a more wildlife friendly space, but haven’t really known what to tackle first, especially when we would be the only house on our street doing it, and I’d need to convince my husband too. I like the look of the mowed edges/pathways and leaving the rest long, so I’ll hopefully get my husband on board with that (his riding mower broke so we luckily haven’t mowed yet this year and have a beautiful crop of dandelions growing, I’m sure to our neighbors’ dismay who I see spraying their lawns all the time). Now I’m just trying to figure out how to put in bird feeders & possibly birdbaths that are out of reach of all the neighborhood cats (front yard) or my sighthounds (backyard), but still easy for me to fill and maintain. I’d love to be able to attract more birds, but definitely not lure them into danger. Thank you for all you do!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello there! So good to read this, I am so glad that this video is of help and so grateful for all the support and encouragement everyone has shown in the comments here. Hope you're having a good weekend - best wishes, and thanks again - Joel

[@PaulOutdoors]

Well said Joel from start to finish. No mow summer with one cut during October with mown strips causing minimum disturbance has got to be the way to go. Habitat fragmentation, destruction and isolation is a major problem. Natural diversity or tidy is the choice. 👍🐝🦋😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Paul, I know already you'd have known all of this and be practising it anyway, but some additional good points here and I appreciate it. Best wishes, Joel

[@markosullivan6444]

Brilliant information, Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Mark, so many wonderful comments on here and it's taking me a while to catch up, but I'm really grateful for the encouragement and support - hope you're having a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@user-mf2lv5jh3n]

Finally! the whole no mow concept explained, thanks for this Joel, I always did have doubts about cutting down the May habitat in its prime. Please never give up spreading your most important message, you are both eco warrior and Mother Earth ambassador 🥰

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Deborah, so much - I really appreciate this. I've been shouting for over 3 years now, but the other day during lunch I saw even more ambiguity and misinformation, and it pushed me to use this platform to shout louder. I have been so buoyed and encouraged by everyone's response to this video and I'm very grateful for all the support. Thanks for taking the time out to let me know that this helped - have a great weekend. Best wishes, Joel

[@user-mf2lv5jh3n]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton you are very welcome Joel 🥰

[@LeaveCurious]

Really well put Joel. I find myself consistently wound up about the tidyness of Britains gardens & green spaces.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - it's not just the tidiness obsession here, it's more about creating temporary habitats that creatures move into, to only then lose their home (and often their lives) when the mowers are dragged out 4, 6 or 8 weeks later etc. I'm not backing down when it comes to our wildlife, but you probably know that already :) Have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@emilysmith2784]

I have noticed our garden gets flooded with insects and bugs more each year and I finally put two and two together when looking out my bedroom window. Practically all of my neighbours have paved over their gardens or put in fake grass. In our street of 12 houses only 3 of us haven’t block paved our driveways. I feel for all the wildlife. They have no where to go. I’d love to make our garden a safe haven for them all. I think we will try half and half, mow half and just leave the rest until September. Thank you for the video.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Emily, thanks for sticking to your guns and not falling in with the neighbours. A lot of houses do need driveways, including my own due to restriction of parking on the public highway, but a front garden is still a perfect spot for wildlife. Someone on the comments recently pointed out that what is the actual point of a square patch of mown lawn anyway, you don't see people sitting out in their front gardens or playing games etc on them! Forgive me if you've seen it already but here's how I changed my front garden last year, still a fair amount of hard-standing BUT it has every aspect of a wildlife garden in a small space and it might help inspire you and continue your bravery with any neighbours! ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4WbpGWPfradha8 Best wishes, and thanks again - Joel

[@gorchilo]

Mow vs no-mow gets resolved once you get to experience grazing animals on your field. It is so satisfying to watch as well as to realize that the purpose of wild grasses is to feed grazing animals. If managed properly, grazed meadows always look wild but are never overgrown.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this! The video at the end of this one explains this method used by a wonderful city in France, Blois. They bring in ewes to even mow the roundabouts and verges, all done safely and it works so well. Very best wishes, and thank you - Joel

[@sjdyt]

I have a nice out of sight piece of lawn which is now dedicated to no mow summer. It was going to be no mow May but I didn’t cut it for exactly the reasons you’ve explained. During and by the end of the season it was teaming with bugs. Not many wild flowers though so maybe I’ll get some in there for next season.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to read this - you can certainly add some species either now or later in the year - but please, for your wallet's sake, don't throw down seeds. It rarely works. Nearer the time, do feel free to drop me a line at [e-mail] and I'll happily explain the best method and why. Best wishes, and thanks for the support - Joel

[@Kingtrollface259]

I've seen this been done and it does work, it provides a safe environment for so many species, I hate the urban life style of living on top of each other, people aren't meant to live like that, devoid of nature and it's beauty

[@janehilbery6596]

No need to has ever mentioned what happens to the wildlife after no mow May, makes so much sense to have a no mow summer. Thank you

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're welcome Jane, I really appreciate the support - the comments for this video have been so good to see - have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@lovemotherearth3805]

I left my dad's garden it just went back to grass after a season it was amazing 👏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So glad that it was rewarding, rewards for less effort huh? :) Best wishes to you and your dad, have a great weekend - Joel

[@user-zq5rd2ur7t]

Thanks Joel, great video, such an important message. Hopefully will gain the traction it needs and will replace the well-intentioned but horribly destructive no-mow-May concept. Councils and Wildlife Trusts should be picking this up....? Keeping a few mown strips but leaving the majority of it unmown is perhaps the best option - it shows that it is a definite management strategy and not just a forgotten area. Especially in public areas this can help reassure people.

[@emmwhite3945]

Thank you from East Coast 🇨🇦

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

☺You're very welcome, hope it helps explain and that the message keeps spreading - best wishes, Joel

[@roxammon5858]

Joel. Love the vid. It is important to mention that there is extra benefit to having the longer grass in full sunlight. People may leave the long grass in areas that are shaded, which may only benefit some species. As you know butterflies prefer a warm sunny spot to lay their eggs and i'm sure this is true of other species too.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this - it was so difficult to get everything into this video, I never have a script or practice for any of the videos I do - and it sometimes shows! - but this really was filmed after seeing another raft of misinformation on social media and I felt compelled to film it there and then. I'm so glad it's been received so well by so many. I've been trying this for years, I've been shouting louder over the last three years but continue to be ignored by those that have a much louder and further reach than me. Thanks for the encouragement and support, best wishes - Joel

[@peterthornton8520]

Simple and very good advice. Lets all do what we can and have a area however small to be our NO MOW space. Great Video Joel. Im in.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Peter, I really appreciate it - so glad that you're willing to do this, you'll be rewarded with visitors and flowers, I promise ☺

[@Gelp]

Great video! Thank you. It's certainly strengthened my views and save some work 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to read this, thank you. So glad this video is helping relay what I intended and I'm really grateful for your support - best wishes, Joel

[@frealafgb]

Great video! It makes so much sense. I love the idea of a nectar lawn. That could be "tidy" and still helpful for wildlife. Maybe I'll try this in the small part of my back garden that still has any lawn! Well. Unmowed foot high grass.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, so much - sorry I've not been able to get to you sooner but there are so many brilliant comments here, like yours. It's so encouraging to read all these and I'm so grateful - best wishes, and thanks again - Joel

[@peterjago]

Makes sense. Thanks for the 'heads up'.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome Peter, thanks for your support - best wishes, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Our Garden just gets left these days and it’s amazing to see how much grows more and more each year as by leaving everything to flower and then the seeds spread everywhere and more and more plants grow back each year it’s Amazing now and a lot is down to you for your Amazing Advice joel 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much - I knew you'd be doing this and not just for the benefit of the amphibians. So fed up yesterday about being ignored the last 3 years or so, ambiguous info out there, band-wagon jumping and the usual, that I "lost it" a bit at lunch after seeing more misinformation on social media, and found this spot to do this rather ad-hoc video. It's a great concept but so misunderstood and peddled by all and sundry without the actual consequences being mentioned. As you've worked with me, you know I'm mellow the majority of the time, but there's so many others out there with a huge audience who prefer to ignore this because it doesn't fit in with hashtags or their own message. I'm shouting as loud as I can, through any means that I can - what's the point in all these new ponds being built for wildlife if all the new creatures they initially support are then lost in longer grass and mown down. Sorry, another rant! ha! Best wishes, catch up soon - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 💯 agree Joel when I was young lad in 1980s there was not much technology out there so we got out and enjoyed the countryside and saw so many beautiful things. Unfortunately now it’s all technology computer games etc so the younger generation have not seen what they are missing out on. One good thing is social media to get the word out there so hopefully we can just keep trying to let everyone know what they are missing out on and then we can help them learn and hopefully things will change for the better in the future 🐸💚🐸

[@BarriosGroupie]

#mowsaic is a great idea. I have strips that I don't mow at all which has worked out OK that changes with the season. The crucial bit is creating a mow path around it to give the impression it's intentional and to ruffle the grass when it flops down. The advantage with the council keeping on top of mowing is that they have less grass to depose of, compared to if they allowed it to grow unchecked.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey! Just working my way through all these wonderful comments, sorry for the delay in acknowledging you. But it's so good to read that you're already cutting the mown paths and sticking to them. I think with councils they could certainly find some use for those grass cuttings, compost etc but it's the incessant use of these large mowers and the energy (and money!) used by going round every few weeks rather than just once. I absolutely appreciate that it's not practical in all situations and areas, and that sight-lines along certain roads need to be kept for safety - but there's so much that is mown unnecessarily and the money could be spent elsewhere :) Have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@Hugh-nr5sx]

Love those cowslips.! Two of the three lacewings I photographed in 2023 were in the garden

[@clupus63]

Yes! Thank you. I would also mention many areas may have ground-nesting bird species that may be sitting on nests in tall grasses by the end of May.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this! A good point, I'd seen more ambiguous information on social media at lunchtime and jumped out of the digger to record this video, in desperation! Although No Mow May was created and aimed at gardeners who wouldn't necessarily have ground nesting birds in a more urban setting, your message is still important for owners of larger land areas, for sure. I'm really grateful, thanks so much for the support - Joel

[@simonbowmer620]

Really informative and helpful video, thank you 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Simon, I really appreciate this. Best wishes, Joel

[@hascjl]

Omg! I have said this! When I do mow after I’ve let it grow, the bugs are running around screaming”no, my babies!” I can tell I’m totally disrupting a whole city that has been made and I set them up to make a home so I can just mow it down. I decided after this year I’m not doing it again and am leaving two areas to just go wild all the time.

[@handlethehandle7]

Wow! What a wonderful human being.

[@colzboppo]

Decided to leave a large patch of clover growing in the lawn and just mow around it, soon became a habitat for crickets and insects, and of course a hedgehog turned up at some point to enjoy the easy lunch on offer. The grass flourished in this patch but remained tired and sun-bleached in the areas that I kept up the monthly mowing schedule. In regards to no-mow-May; I have received complaints before from neighbours about not mowing front lawns so I tend to keep on top of the grass length now and compensate with what I grow in the borders and in the back garden, anything that sprouts is left to grow except the most pernicious of weeds which are cut and discarded directly onto the soil as I do not have space to compost. Adding a pond to the habitat is a really good suggestion as it encourages different wildlife, along with logs and wood for natural places of shelter from the heat of summer.

[@lyraginns4752]

This is one of the best biodiversity education videos I have seen in a very long time. It's simple, easy to follow, enthusing and empowering. I work in the Water Industry, and I have been establishing 'rewilding Zones' for about 3 years with a caveat on the signage and management plans that the areas should be cut and vegetation removed from September onwards - I was trying to avoid people getting too caught up in the No mow may gimmic - it's one thing I find frustrating how much we have to 'sell' these initiatives to people with catchy names etc when the science doesn't back it up. I find the same with plastic reduction campaigns. Anyway, I really really like the tag and term #mowsaic !!!! I hope you don't mind that I use this in my company, I will be directing people to this video and ill be keeping a close eye on upcoming videos you post! Funnily enough the person who sent me this video is an environment champion / colleague of mine in a water company so we will continue to encourage others in every way we can 💚🌱

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Wow, I am absolutely chuffed to read this and so grateful for you leaving this comment - so much wonderful support here and it's just great to know that there are people out there like you. Absolutely take the #mowsaic hashtag and spread the word, I'm not charging for it ;) I filmed another video yesterday, 1st May (!) and I hope to be releasing it for tomorrow evening if I can, if not on Saturday but it was intentionally filmed on 1st as there was even more misinformation and bandwagon jumping from "experts" and people that have clearly been watching the video but only taking snippets of the information and rushing out posts or videos in an attempt to further a message, but not the whole message! You've really encouraged me to work hard on editing this video and getting it out to everyone asap - so grateful for you taking the time to leave this comment, very best wishes - Joel

[@gedscouserable]

I was doing 'No Mow May' without knowing it was a movement. I cant afford to replace my lawnmower until June!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Get one in the sales at the end of September, a win for you and a win for the wildlife... :)

[@Ultimatewildlifegardens-ng7mw]

Excellent content/message as always Joel so thanks for that & I could not agree more. Best wishes Chis Caligari (Ultimate Wldlife Gardens Channel). Keep up the good work!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Chris, appreciated! Have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@wildlifecountrysideservice339]

Good stuff, Joel. I quite agree! 🤠

[@maisycakes1125]

Just fab advice & learning for me - Thankyou.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Maisy, really glad that this was helpful and has answered some questions - best wishes, Joel

[@EverythingIsMagick360]

Thank you Joel for this video 😀 We made the decision nearly 10 years ago to keep our garden wild. We have random flowers coming up every year as well as different hedging, roses, herbs and a small pond. The wildlife is amazing, we even found a stag beetle last year 💛 One of our neighbours literally hates our garden and will cut even the slightest infringement through the fence. 😂 When will folks realise that we are nature and wouldn't be here without her 🌟 Keep up the excellent work you do ✨ Angie✨

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank YOU Angie! So good to read this, it really is. Stag Beetle... wow, it just shows that everything is working and you should be very proud of sticking to your principles and having all those rewards for your efforts. I empathise re neighbour... one of ours (and I'm not kidding) goes along the fence with scissors.... it's SO tempting to replace the fencing that side with chicken wire... ;) I really appreciate your encouragement and support, best wishes - Joel

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Excellent Joel we can't give wildlife a months chance of survival. A variety of areas are need in lawns to benifit the biodiversity living or visiting the grassed areas. Yesterday here was the start of cutting verges. A verge of dandelions, Ajuga, clover and many more gone. It's a mess, piles of cuttings and shredded plastics now. Agree whole heartedly with you. My full support 💚 👏👏👏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I knew you'd be right behind this Tracey and already aware of the consequences. I just couldn't keep silent any longer, you'll remember the ostracisation with RHS etc last year re weedkiller etc on Twitter, so I was hesitant but then thought that this is about the wildlife and creatures that are so desperately in need of our help. So I used my voice a little louder this time ;) Thanks for your encouragement and support on this, it really does make a difference to me. Best wishes, Joel

[@evalindell2757]

I agree a 1000% Let areas of long grass be long and let the wildlife live there! And keep mowed areas mowed all the time! 👌 Well some of the wildlife at least, depending on what wildlife you have outside of your garden! We live in an area were there are wolfs. A couple that has a litter every year. And yes we are inside their habitat or however you call it in English. They are not welcome in my garden but outside in the woods it is fine! And by the way. Our hedgehogs live underneath the guest house so when building do like old times. No concrete, let there be space underneath for wildlife! Love your work 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I need to come and see this Eva, I really do. Sounds wonderful and I'd love to come and film this, particularly the wolves in spring of course, but also everything else you have going on! Very best wishes, and thank you for this - Joel

[@evalindell2757]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I would love for you to come! This is a very beautiful area with lots of special wildlife. When it comes to the wolf it is a lot of hush hush around exactly were they have their den. And they are not interested in humans so rare to spot. I only know approximatly the territorry of the first pair in the very south of Sweden and we are just at border of it. But it comes up in conversations with neibours that like we have dogs or other animals. As well as the papers will write when sheep or horses get attacked. Some people say that you can see when they are in our parts on the behavior of deer and other animals that the wolf feed on. You are very welcome to come and try your luck and see if you spot any. Make me think of when I went once to the north to see bear. But 5 days and no signs… Well, you are as I said very, very welcome!

[@karenannaluisa3370]

Interesting! Love the concept of No-now-summer. ❤ Seems reasonable for everyone who has already transformed a lawn into a meadow.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Karen, I'm absolutely thrilled with the responses here under this video, it's so encouraging and makes taking that time out absolutely worthwhile - this is one video that I hope gets shared and shared and reaches more people. The difference to wildlife that this could make would be incredible. Best wishes, Joel

[@leewatson6959]

It never made much sense to me but I thought well least its something. I personally opted to leave a boarder around the garden and I've not cut it since. 2 years now.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic to read this Lee, just reading through all the brilliant comments like yours and I'm so grateful to everyone. Thanks for the encouragement and support - best wishes, Joel

[@user-qs7gx7rp7m]

Excellent strategy ! Started doing that about 4-5 years ago on an acre of back & side yards, 20% 40 plus yr-old pines grew on the north side, graced with vines that were easily kept under control. My lawn paths were easy duty work in June & July while August into the fall, when grass growth slows was minimal. Let the pine yard take care of itself with natures rewards and the rest of the yard, divided by mower paths, were rich gardens full of wonderful wild flowers blooming together or in turn as the season moved on. First time in my life applied lazyness really worked for a super success . . . and it didn't cost a penny for seed . . . Other that what was throen in as a test.

[@waynejones750]

Thanks for the advice.

[@the_gardenerben]

Thank you for covering this topic. I’ve been saying the same on all of my social media channels for the last two years but really feel that I’ve been screaming into the wind with it. People are far better leaving a small part of their garden to be wild all year round or simply not doing this at all I don’t understand why you would ask wildlife to gravitate towards the space for allotted amount of time and then snatch it back, because we roll into a different month, my followers that they allocate around 10% of their growing space to be simply left alone

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I empathise! 4 years we've been trying to raise this via many avenues, the #nomowsummer hashtag has been going for at least that long. But more misinformation and ambiguity on social media, which I'd happened upon at the beginning of my lunch break, compelled me to do this rather ad-hoc video. I'm pleasantly surprised that this video is reaching so many people now and hope it continues to do so. I really appreciate the encouragement and support Ben - best wishes, Joel

[@anettroses]

Thank you very much, that was such an instructive video

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, thank you so much for this - I really appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment, it does make a difference - best wishes, Joel

[@sallydavies2563]

Great video. Nectar lawn here we go!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You won't regret it Sally, I promise. Thanks ever so much

[@sallydavies2563]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you!

[@susanlinsell136]

So informative. I will definitely be carrying out no mow summer.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Susan, thank you - at least you'll have more time to sit and enjoy that vital pond habitat you have already created :) Best wishes, and thank you for the support - Joel

[@sorbuslearning]

No Mow May, Blooming June, Knee High July + Anxiety August... on top of everything you've said what about grasshoppers & crickets that mature around then to final adult stage when they breed in August/September? Whilst I agree that early season mowing to control grass maybe necessary and should stop in late April but leave lawns and wildflower meadows long through plant growing/propogating season and wildlife breeding season. Cutting left to late autumn and sycthe not strimmer. Nice one Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, thank you! Sorry for the delay in acknowledging you, it's been difficult to keep up with everyone's brilliant comments under this video, and every one of them positive and encouraging. Some great points here and I really appreciate it - have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@hayleygodwin7705]

Excellent video, this makes so much sense and will definitely influence us this year, I’ve already created a wildlife pond and some patches for wildlife but will aim for the nectar lawn for the rest of it. I’ll also share your video on local and gardening pages to spread the word. I wonder if PlantLife will respond to this as it would be great to get everyone on the same page.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much Hayley, I'm absolutely chuffed at people's responses here, I really am. If I'm honest with you... I've been being a pain about this #nomowmay for a while but some think it easier to ignore me or pretend it didn't happen. I've been shouting about #nomowsummer for over 3 years now - all that happened was some more catchphrases like I mentioned in the video about June and July... I wish we could all act together, it's for the wildlife we all purportedly care about anyway :) Best wishes, Joel

[@hayleygodwin7705]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton you’re very welcome, hopefully the time will come some day - mighty oaks from little acorns!

[@jessegee179]

I’ll send this to our council, thanks 👍

[@Frostie3672]

I've already seen posts from hedgehog rescues on Facebook of hogs coming in with horrific injuries due to strimmers where the only option is to pts :( so I couldn't agree more with everything you've said.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Frostie - apologies that I've not been able to acknowledge this sooner but so many important and wonderful comments under this video and I'm determined no one is ignored. But this is an excellent point, it really is. I really appreciate the support and encouragement, it means a lot. Have a great weekend - best wishes, Joel

[@geo.m1639]

Great video, you are very good at persuasive speeches! Maybe you could be an MP lol

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haha! I don't want to be hated *that* much! But thank you, something I saw on social media at lunch just set me off, so much misinformation out there and band-wagon jumping, treating it like a fad or similar. It does so much damage... what's that saying? A little knowledge is dangerous. Thanks ever so much, best wishes - Joel

[@him050]

I’ve always thought this!!! A few years back my mum was like “we’re doing no mow May 😇.” I was a bit confused. I was thinking, “so you let it all grow for wildlife, then destroy it once you have given all that wildlife a habitat?”

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Exactly this. As long as the tagline is "no mow May" most people will think just that, they won't think past a tagline - none of us see past the Nike "just do it" or McDonald's "I'm loving it" etc... Best wishes, and thanks for this - Joel

[@robinbennett3531]

Thoroughly agree ! I moved and have had one season of my new big lawn and it gets cut in october. I still mow paths and some other small areas. Descibed as "coarse grass" not many flowers but more than last year so we'll see. Just leaving things alone on my hedgebanks has seen things appearing and spreading like pink campion stitchwort primrose pink purslane forgetme nots and milkmaids. Also lots of ground elder! Makes you realise how things can be repressed just by thoughtless neatness.. I worked for the council for years and think lack of money will help, 1 or 2 passes by the roadside for visibility (and walkers) is enough, but it needs a cut and removal in the winter which we weren't set up for and so hopefully they could use the money saved in the summer to properly take away the winter cut, which is often full of litter and not desirable except for council compost, which is then also full of plastic and metal flakes. Also some short grass is diversity just get the balance the other way more! Keep it up, we appreciate you..as do the wildlife.Thankyou

[@RussTillling]

Good video, thank you 👍 I leave a big circle in the middle of the lawn unmoved, plus I mow around where larger wildflowers like scabious have grown. It creates lovely, meandering paths around the garden. Any mixed-in, long, vigorous ryegrasses I ‘mow’ by tearing off the top half by hand and also try to leave the finer meadow grasses alone. Secondly, I ‘brutt’ branches which get in my way, by partially breaking them, just like a passing herbivore might. I believe this informs most shrubs to avoid growing that way in the future. (This doesn’t work for some like roses.) Also I only remove grasses from between patio slabs but allow other small plants like Forget-Me-Nots and mosses to grow there. The gaps between slabs have now become mini meadows which soften the hard landscaping. I like the idea of man having to adjust his steps to go around Nature, not Nature being subservient to man and his machinery. Just hope I’m doing the right things! 🤞🤞

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much Russ - it's just brilliant to read messages like yours and I'm really grateful for you taking the time out to explain this so well and what works for you and the results that you get - you're definitely doing the right things, and the wildlife will no doubt be as grateful as me :) I really appreciate the support and encouragement Russ, thank you - best wishes, Joel

[@Xandermonkey]

I did no mow May a few years back, but in 2022 I extended to a no mow summer. As long as it doesn’t rain too much, the grass stays short whilst all the ‘weeds’ flower and it is absolutely amazing and beautiful. I’ve also noticed quite a few of my neighbours leaving their lawns unmown for longer since I did this. Well worth doing. Mow it as short as possible in late April or early May, after the last heavy rain, and you’ll have a natural looking space that’s great to spend time in and great for wildlife. Even have some tiny native orchids!

[@helenamcginty4920]

Well I now live in rural Andalucia with a small concreted patio. I always leave self sown borage to rampage in my veg planters early on as bees love the flowers and I can eat the leaves. This year one grew in a crack in the concrete. Because it gets more water that narurally it has thrived.its 1m across and almost 1m high. After bee numbers fell off a cliff about 5 years ago they have slowly increased. I can hear their buzzing from my living room. So relaxing. It looks a but messy esp now as it is starting to go over. Ive already started cutting the straggly ones for my little Heath Robinson compost bin.