The biodiversity initiative No Mow May is set to return to Warwick district next month, despite it receiving a mixed reception in 2023.

Last May locals were encouraged to take part in the month-long scheme which aims to allow pieces of public and private land grow wild to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In 2023 Warwick District Council (WDC) officially backed the scheme, allowing many of the verges and green spaces across the district to go uncut for the month.

Cuts still took place in children's play areas, cemeteries, sports pitches and major parks including Jephson Gardens, Pump Room Gardens, St. Nicholas Park and Abbey Fields.

However, the council soon ran into difficulties bringing the unkempt areas back under control, with many of the areas taking until the end of July to be cut again.

The council even had to release a statement asking locals to stop abusing its contractors such was the backlash from locals.

WDC said in July "the volume and scale of the workload" for cutting was "far greater than anticipated" which was leading to delays.

A "number of mechanical issues" were also reported.

Warwick District Council says it is committed to No Mow May (image by James Smith)

Despite this - and a council officer later admitting the scheme had been "too ambitious" - the local authority has committed to bringing back the scheme.

In a statement released last week, WDC said it was taking part in No Mow May and carrying out a 'reduced pesticide' trial in select areas of the district as part of a new Biodiversity Action Programme.

Cllr Will Roberts, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, said: "Participating in No Mow May is an important part of our Biodiversity Action Programme, as it helps us provide vital food sources for pollinators as well as enabling our green spaces and verges to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

"Last year was very much a learning curve and I want to reassure residents that we have listened to their feedback and will be doing things differently this year, with a particular change to the way we manage highway verges, play areas and cemeteries.

"Nature isn't neat, but it's a big part of where we live.

"Beneath the long grass, wildflowers and what might be viewed as 'weeds' lies a thriving habitat of vital species that will help us combat the negative effects of climate change, delivering multiple benefits for wildlife and people.

"We hope you'll join us in No Mow May and support the work we are doing to preserve and enhance nature in our communities."

WDC said "safety is paramount" and there will be a change to the way highway verges are managed to maintain visibility.

Council housing estates, children's play areas, sports pitches and cemeteries will be excluded from the initiative this year, and the council will continue to mow these locations.

Over 4,200 people responded to a council survey following the scheme finishing at the end of May last year.

Meanwhile a poll by Nub News revealed that nearly two thirds of readers do not want No Mow May to return next year.

A further 16 per cent said the scheme should come back, but with changes. Some readers said it would be better if the council targeted fewer areas for wilding, and made sure verges around busy road junctions were still mown.