Hastings residents encouraged to avoid mowing lawns: this is why

Hastings Borough Council made the request days after announcing it would not be proceeding with plans to put solar panels in the Hastings Country Park after investigating the feasibility of the project.

A spokesman said this plans was part of the council’s efforts to tackle climate change, as laid out in its Climate Change Strategy.

As a result, the council said it is looking at other ways to tackle the crisis.

One of its ideas was encouraging people to take part in ‘No Mow May’, whereby residents do not mow their lawn throughout May.

A council spokesman said this would help support the pollinating insects which are key to human survival.

Councillor Maya Evans, cabinet lead on climate change and biodiversity said: “Although we have made the decision not to put solar arrays in country park, we are still dedicated to our climate change strategy and striving for a greener Hastings.

“Even though the Covid-19 pandemic is at the forefront of everyone’s minds at the moment, it is still incredibly important to continue addressing the climate crisis and looking at how we can all help contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change in Hastings.

“This is why we are encouraging residents to take part in ‘No Mow May’ to support bees and other pollinating insects which are an essential part of the ecosystem that keeps us alive.

“I’m planning to let my lawn grow during May, after which I’m then going for a ‘Mohican’ lawn cut – the two grass lengths will enable me to get the highest production of flowers and nectar with short grass, and a wider range of flowers with un-mown grass.

“Small actions like this make a huge difference to help tackle climate change, and by taking part in No Mow May, you’re doing nature a massive favour.”