No Mow May: reduce shearing to promote biodiversity, but not everyone agrees

In Italy, interest in the practice of No Mow May, a movement born in the United Kingdom that promotes the reduction of lawn mowing during the months of May and June. This approach promotes plant growth indigenous and supports pollinating insects. But what exactly does it involve and why is it important?

The benefits of letting lawns grow

Reducing the number of spring mowings may seem like a counterintuitive idea to many, but they are there several advantages related to this practice:

• Promotion of biodiversity: Allowing the growth of native plants helps maintain a balanced ecosystem, providing food and habitat for pollinating insects.
• Improved soil health: A lawn that is not mowed frequently retains moisture better and reduces erosion.
• Increased presence of pollinators: species such as butterflies and bumblebees find refuge and resources in uncultivated meadows, thus improving their survival.

No Mow May: the situation in Italy

Although in Italy the movement No Mow May is not yet as widespread as in the UK, some cities are experimenting with reducing mowing. Milan, Bergamo and Parma have started projects that reduce the number of cuts in some green areas by half. However, this practice is not without criticism.

According to Ilda Vagge, professor of botany at the La Statale University of Milan, “in Milan there are only 54 green areas where we experience a reduction in mowing, or 7% of the total urban lawns”. This raised protests by citizens who perceive these spaces as neglected.

An important point to consider is the risk of allergies. In areas where species such as ragweed, which produces high quantities of pollen, predominate, maintenance is performed regularly to avoid health problems.

A greener future?

To encourage biodiversity, it is essential to sow native plants, as local insects have co-evolved with these species. Edy Fantinatobotanist of the University Approx‘ Foscari Of Veniceemphasizes that

“Urban areas offer more suitable refuges for pollinators wild compared to rural areas where intensive agriculture has drastically reduced the available environments”.

Reduce lawn mowing during May could be be a solution effective to increase the biodiversity in our cities? What are the yours opinions on this practice? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!