Warwickshire gardeners are being asked to put away their mowers as part of No Mow May 2023.

The county council is backing the national No Mow May campaign which simply asks locals to put away their mowers for the entire month.

The initiative, which is run by the charity Plantlife, encourages people to let their lawns grow wild to give smaller plants a chance to grow and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Although April and May are traditionally the time when lawnmowers are released from sheds and garages, keeping it locked up for a little longer means long grass and wildflowers have longer to grow naturally.

By doing this, lawns can provide a vital habitat for a range of insects, such as bees, butterflies, and moths.

The UK has lost nearly 97 per cent of flower rich meadows since the 1970's, but there are thousands of gardens in Warwickshire alone, and even the smallest grassy patch can make a difference.

Warwickshire County Council says it already follows the ethos of No Mow May throughout the year and only mows roadside grass verges when absolutely necessary to keep those using the roads and pavements safe.

The majority of areas at Warwickshire country parks are also managed with a general 'no-mow' approach.

Rob Powell, strategic director for resources at Warwickshire County Council, said: "No Mow May is a fantastic opportunity for residents across Warwickshire to help support our local wildlife.

"By allowing our lawns to grow wild for a few more days, we can create a vital habitat for pollinators and other insects and make a positive difference to the environment. And if you ever needed an excuse for not mowing the lawn, this is it!"