Verge mowing stalled again as NFDC launches ‘Let It Bee’ initiative

GRASS will be allowed to grow longer for wild flowers this spring as part of New Forest District Council’s green strategy.

Some verges and larger patches of land will be left to grow in May and parts of June, rather than being mowed.

NFDC is calling the approach ‘Let It Bee’ to highlight the importance of bees as pollinators and letting grass grow for wildlife to increase the number of plant species, nectar sources for pollinators and habitats for wildlife.

The council took part in ‘No Mow May’ last year, a campaign to encourage people to not mow their lawns in the month and to do so less during the summer.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing areas in our district flourish.

“We have listened to feedback from last year and are working closely with the county council to make sure grass will be cut where it is important for safety and visibility.

“We’ll be continuing to review sites that might work for wildflower planting and use information gained from our trial sites at Fawley Fields and Appletree Court to help with this.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden said the council encouraged residents to have their own wild areas in gardens: “You can reduce grass cutting at the bottom of your hedge to encourage more species to grow naturally or pick up wildflower mixes from your local seed retailer for your garden or window boxes.”