Campaign to grow longer lawns launched
The Wildlife Trusts and Royal Horticultural Society have launched a campaign to grow longer lawns – Wild About Lawns. It encourages gardeners to champion dandelions and other wildflowers by letting lawns grow longer.
Some 239 dandelion microspecies grow in Britain and Ireland and 58 of those exist only in the British Isles. Dandelions are central to garden ecosystems, supporting more than 50 different species of insects including bees, moths, flies and wasps. Some of those pollinators provide food for birds, so they all play a vital role in the food chains that wildlife relies on.
Every dandelion ‘flower’ is made up of lots of individual florets, each with its own supply of nectar and pollen. Seedheads, or ‘dandelion clocks’ are dispersed by the wind. Dandelion seeds provide food for sparrows and goldfinches. By avoiding frequent mowing, dandelions and other wildflowers such as daisies, selfheal, lesser celandine, cowslip, and bird’s-foot-trefoil provide nectar and pollen for pollinators. Those without a lawn can create mini lawns in containers.
Five ways to love your lawn
- To back Wild About Lawns, reduce mowing to once every three to four weeks. This allows moth and butterfly caterpillars such as large skippers and meadow browns to feed on grasses.
- Keep some areas short as pathways, sunbathing spots, and foraging areas for birds. For the rest, let the grass grow a little longer, offering shelter to grasshoppers and other insects. In turn, these creatures are food for frogs, birds, and bats.
- Birds such as blackbirds, robins and tawny owls feed on earthworms. Increase your chances of seeing them by allowing a longer lawn to grow.
- Overlook bare patches within a lawn. These provide valuable habitats for mining bees. Around three-quarters of all wild bee species nest in the soil, including ivy bees and ashy mining bees.
- If you prefer a greener lawn, consider growing hardy yarrow. Where there is limited footfall, experiment with a tapestry lawn using chamomile and creeping thyme.
Alison’s backing of Wild About Lawns
Alison Steadman, actress and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, is backing Wild About Lawns. She said: “I absolutely love relaxing in my garden listening to birdsong. Longer lawns offer birds the perfect foraging spots especially when there are plenty of wildflowers.
“One of my favourite animals is the hedgehog. What better way to make them feel welcome than a luscious patch of grass and wildflowers to hunt for worms and beetles? I do hope you’ll join me in freeing your lawn and letting golden dandelions flourish this year!”
For more information, download a free copy of the Bring your lawn to Life guide or visit wildaboutgardens.org.uk.
