NMM 2024

mickysf
mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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edited April 18 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Less than two weeks to go, No Mow May 2024 is nearly upon us.

Despite the belief of some this initiative is not about a total abstinence from mowing but is about finding area as large as practicable and possible, to leave for nature to do its best. This way the birds and the bees benefit but so will we.

We all need to find that space for nature, it’s in all our interests and it’s the reason many of us enjoy our ‘caravanning’.

Last year many C&MC sites got involved and I wish those involved this year the very best in their efforts to help out in 2024.

https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/no-mow-may-2024/

Comments

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 18 #2

    If it doesn’t stop raining they won’t be able to mow, when is Spring coming?

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 18 #3

    We are currently at North York Moors Club Site. They could moor boats on some of the pitches at the moment it’s that wet😱 Advice from staff not to venture a wheel onto grass areas is being followed to the letter. It’s been very peaceful to be honest, haven’t heard a tractor unit once during our stay. 

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited April 19 #4

    NMM, simply more virtue signalling by organisations jumping on the ridiculous ESG bandwagons being foisted on business.  It will soon stand for ‘no more money’ because we have gone bust virtue signalling instead of profit signalling. Go woke, go broke as lots of organisations will eventually find out. 

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 20 #5

    Interestingly I’ve just read an article from our local authority which highlights the advantages of No Mow May. In it they highlight that the initiative is not about a total abstinence from mowing but a recognition of how thoughtful management can be of value to all of us and nature.

    They recognise that road safety is a priority and those areas which can be left unmown during May have now been identified.  They also recognise that mowing will continue in areas where necessary including the likes of junctions or bends with road signage being maintained clearly visible. Furthermore, they point out that swathes of grassland, parkland, sports fields and recreational areas will be mowed recognising that creatures demand different habitats. Examples being Starlings, thrushes, blackbirds and wagtails which prefer short grass like lawns and heavily grazed meadows where similarly insects like the cranefly  (larva-leatherjackets) and others prefer that shorter cut. It’s all about balance and recognising and finding a way of propagating a range of natural healthy habits which, in my view should continue to underpin this ‘growing’ initiative.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 20 #6

    My farming neighbour has decided not to mow the big meadow beside the river in May. He put out a dozen heifers as soon as things dried up in April and they have done the job instead. 

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 20 #7

    Absolutely eurotraveller, several Nature reserves are also employing this technique to enhance their habitats. In doing this some are also helping to protect old breeds of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Win, win!

    https://www.ywt.org.uk/blog/david-craven/how-grazing-cattle-help-maintain-yorkshires-nature-reserves#:~:text=Cattle%20graze%20by%20using%20their,wildflowers%20to%20seed%20and%20germinate.

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 1 #8

    So it’s arrived and apparently thousands of us up and down the country will be setting aside an increasing amount of our grass to benefit nature and, ultimately, us. It doesn’t mean a total abstention, just a bit of thoughtful adaptation. Set to it folk!🦗🦋🐦‍⬛

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 19 #9

    Been on tour now for the best part of two weeks staying at club sites along the way. I’ve been very impressed with the wardens/site staffs efforts to assist the No Mow May initiative. Every site has managed to find significant areas to set-a-side for nature, particularly the pollinators and yet keep the surroundings of the pitches neat and tidy. Here is a fabulous example and I’ve counted 16 species of wild flowers including orchids in the no mowed areas. Well done site staff around the network, it looks beautiful, teeming with life and helping nature.