Wildlife will be encouraged to thrive in open spaces across the borough

In May, residents of Redcar and Cleveland will notice longer grass in selected areas in some of the open and green spaces in the borough.

Areas such as the Stray in Marske and King George V playing field in Guisborough have been selected to take part in No Mow May, a national campaign to encourage more wildlife, bees and butterflies.

The spaces have been carefully chosen to provide some space for the grass to grow. Grass cutting will still take place as normal throughout the borough on roadside verges, housing estates, cemeteries, and playgrounds.

Letting areas grow in May allows a greater variety of wildflowers and will lead to more colour and beauty while helping the environment. Longer grass and wildflowers provide shelter and food for insects, birds, and small mammals, helping them to thrive. 

Once May has finished, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will be pulling together a short survey so residents will have the opportunity to let the Council know if this has worked well in their local community.  

Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture at the Council, said:

“For many people the number one priority for the Council is to look after the local area, to keep it clean and tidy, as well as to look after the environment for future generations. 

“In May, for most of the borough, we will be grass cutting as normal, but we will be leaving some of our open and green spaces to encourage colourful wildflowers to help the bees and butterflies.  Even small acts like these can make a difference in tackling the climate and ecological challenges we face.”

To see a list of the selected areas, please visit: No Mow May | Redcar and Cleveland (redcar-cleveland.gov.uk)

For more information on No Mow May, please visit: Plantlife's No Mow May Movement