Melksham Town Council will trial a ‘No Mow May’ approach in selected locations across town to support biodiversity, protect pollinators and promote healthier green spaces.
No Mow May is a national campaign encouraging individuals and organisations to support pollinators and promote biodiversity by pledging to stop grass cutting for the month of May. By pausing mowing, it gives spring plants more opportunity to seed before their first cutting. Conservation charity Plantlife set up the scheme in 2019 to promote healthier, more diverse lawns and create natural environments for wildlife and pollinators. No Mow May further reduces emissions through fewer mowing operations, aligning with Melksham Town Councils’ environmental priorities for a greener future.
On Monday 20th April 2026, Melksham Town Council resolved to trial a ‘No Mow May’ approach on selected roundabouts and other selected areas along Hazelwood Road and in King George V Playing Fields. The trial will maintain highway safety and visibility, including defined sightlines and clear separation between sponsorship signage and any retained long-grass areas. Melksham Town Council’s participation supports the objectives of Wiltshire Council’s Blue Campaign, which promotes action on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable land management. Following the trial, feedback and impact will be evaluated to consider the approach’s extension in future seasons.
Residents are encouraged to join Melksham Town Council for No Mow May. Official guidance can be found on Plantlife’s website: Plantlife’s No Mow May Movement
Councillor, Adrienne Westbrook, commented:
“Wilding and conservation are important parts of the Councils remit. However, it must not be seen as cost cutting exercise, or it will lose all its impact. At Melksham Town Council we will be taking part in No Mow May, areas will be left wild for that month to help pollination and insects. These areas will be clearly marked and work will take place around these areas to keep our roundabouts safe ad tidy and our green spaces still available for the public.”
Photo by Karen Cann on Unsplash