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No Mow May is back for 2026!

Queen Mary is committing to Plant Life’s No Mow May

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Queen Mary is proud to be committing to No Mow May for another year. This means that the lawns across Mile End* and Charterhouse Square will look a bit longer than usual throughout the month, while the Grounds Team let wildflowers and pollinators flourish.

What is No Mow May and why do we need it?  

No Mow May is Plantlife’s annual campaign urging everyone to pack away the lawnmower, let wildflowers grow freely and help nature recover. It encourages us to stop mowing because this allows the development of wild patches which can provide vital food needed by bees and butterflies, giving wildlife the best start to summer. 

Approximately 97% of flower-rich meadows have been lost since the 1930s, and with them, vital food and habitat needed by wildlife. However, a healthy lawn with some longer grass and wildflowers helps to tackle pollution, benefits wildlife, and can even lock away carbon below the ground. 

How can you get involved? 

Anyone can get involved in No Mow May, regardless of whether you have a garden, a balcony, or just a windowsill! It’s all about spreading the word and encouraging everyone to play their part.

  1. Pledge to join No Mow May – join a community of thousands of people committing to boost nature. Plus, receive a free guide for top tips and tricks.  
  2. Take some time to learn about the nature you are helping – impress at the next quiz night with your knowledge of Red-tailed Bumblebees and Marmalade Hoverflies!
  3. Share your No Mow May efforts on social media using #NoMoMay – don’t forget to tag us on @QMULSustain!  
  4. Spread the word about No Mow May – talk with your friends and neighbours about why it’s important and encourage them to join in (especially if you don't have a garden of your own).  
  5. Put up No Mow May signs on your windows or on your lawns (these can be downloaded for free from the Plantlife website). 

And remember, nature needs our help all year round, not just in May. Check out Plantlife’s No Mow Movement Calendar for year-round inspiration and learn about Queen Mary’s commitments to biodiversity in our Sustainability Action Statement and our profile of QM's Grounds Supervisor.   

 

*excluding the Queen’s Building front lawn, which is ornamental and needs to be left short.  

 

 

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