Say no to the mow

words by Alex White

As I’m writing this blog, with the windows open, I can hear lawn mowers up and down the street cutting away.

We have decided to join ‘Say No to the Mow‘ during May, although we haven’t actually cut the lawn this year.

I’ve already noticed a few differences in the garden. I hadn’t seen a Greenfinch for the past few years and yet two have visited this week, I’ve noticed Goldfinches pecking at dandelion clocks and as I walk through the grass so many more insects fly or dash out of the way.

Getting close up to take photos reveals the tell-tale signs of daily wildlife stories. Tiny feathers from a predated bird, fox scat left by a nightly visitor, a bumblebee washing, ladybirds in search of aphids, the jackdaws pecking for larvae and tiny flowers that would have gone unnoticed.

I would encourage everyone to leave a patch of lawn unmown, even the smallest patch will create extra habitat for wildlife.

Want to read more about the Swallows , follow the link to Alex’s blog

https://appletonwildlifediary.wordpress.com/2019/05/12/say-no-to-the-mow-in-may/

© Alex White / Appleton Wildlife Diary 2019