Call to reduce lawnmower use in Argyll and Bute to allow wildflowers to grow

Councillors are to be asked to consider an initiative that would reduce lawnmower use in Argyll and Bute and allow more wild flowers to grow.

The No-Mow-May and Let-It-Bloom June campaigns are the subject of a motion which will be moved at a full council meeting.

The projects come amid concerns that more than half of UK butterfly species are reportedly in decline.

Councillor Luna Martin (Green, Oban North and Lorn) will present the motion, seconded by Councillor Ross Moreland (Liberal Democrat, Dunoon) at a full council meeting on Thursday, April 24.

The ‘Supporting our pollinators’ motion said: “The No-Mow-May and Let-It-Bloom-June movements are part of an annual campaign by the organisation Plantlife.

“The campaign promotes that reducing lawnmower use and encouraging natural grass and wildflower growth offer simple ways for everyone to play a part in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

“Research from The Butterfly Conservation organisation reports that more than half of UK butterfly species are now in long-term decline.

“With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest areas allowed to flourish can make a real contribution and deliver environmental benefits for nature, people and places.”

The motion then asks the council to agree to “Promote the No-Mow-May and Let-It-Bloom June campaigns across Argyll and Bute through all available channels to encourage local people, community groups, local businesses and other organisations to consider taking part in the 2025 campaigns.

“Ask officers to explore the scope of action the council could reasonably take within the context of its overall grass-cutting and local maintenance programmes and available resources.

“This should include an exploration of what may be feasible to support the objectives of No-Mow-May and Let-It-Bloom June for the 2025 season and beyond.

“Findings and outcomes should be reported, following consultation with the policy lead for climate change, renewables and net zero and the policy lead for roads, transport and amenity services to the December meeting of the environment, development and infrastructure committee.”