Louth councillor calls for no grass cutting in May

Cllr John Sheridan has called on local residents in Louth to avoid cutting their grass during May to give biodiversity and native Irish honey bees a much needed boost. 

"As we all know, the weather during winter and spring this year has been very wet and growth has been slow so far", Cllr Sheridan told the Dundalk Democrat. "I have spoken to beekeepers in recent weeks and this bad weather is already impacting the work of native Irish honey bees who should be thriving this time of year.

"Over the past few years 'No Mow May' has focused on what residents can practically do in their own gardens for biodiversity. If people can commit to not cutting their grass during May or even not cutting part of their grass it can be of huge benefit. They will see by the end of May the amount of dandelions and other plans that will start growing."

The Ardee councillor continued, "in terms of our every changing weather, Bees are under serious threat. They provide invaluable work pollenating flowers, plants and fruit and we need to give bees and other pollinators every chance annually. 

"Research from Trinity College into pollinators in urban areas suggests that allowing grass to grow can be just as effective as full wildflower plantations in urban areas and this obviously supports our bees. So not grass cutting in May could be a serious boost to the native Irish honey bee. 

"In 2022, I had a motion passed at Louth County Council calling for a statutory prohibition on grass cutting in May similar to hedge cutting season which was forwarded to the Department of Agriculture.  I'm also calling on councillors and residents to 'pledge their garden' for No Mow May this year with Biodiversity Ireland"

Cllr Sheridan added, "I accept it's not possible for No Mow May to apply to all grass areas e.g. sports pitches, golf courses or commercial settings, we also need to ensure it doesn't compromise road safety near junctions, but every little helps when it comes to biodiversity."