We're not doing No Mow May. Having tried having long grass in our small orchard area with just one mown path through the middle for the past couple of years, I now find it's too much hard work come August/Sept to cut it down by hand. It's impossible to mow it when it's long.
We have lots of flower borders for the insects and bug hotels/log piles etc and our Council no longer strim the big grass verge until September so that's enough wild habitat I feel. We don't have any hedgehogs in this area either, too many badgers.
Everyone has to do what's right for them. You tried and persisted for a couple of years. I know what you mean about very long grass. We have compromised. We do No Mow May but mow about once per month or less thereafter and I know it does some good. You have do go with the capabilities and the equipment you have.
Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
I’ve decided to leave the end right and end left to grow and get the rest cut for tidy reasons . Already mt 2 corners have all sorts in them …….and aesthetically……they match !
"Leaving grass to grow long as part of No Mow May is an opportunity to see what wildflowers naturally emerge in your garden, and you may be surprised at what pops up if you leave the mower in the shed."
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"Leaving grass to grow long as part of No Mow May is an opportunity to see what wildflowers naturally emerge in your garden, and you may be surprised at what pops up if you leave the mower in the shed."
Full article here which is a good read.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/07/gardeners-keep-it-local-ensure-wildflower-success-aoe