Wild flowers left to grow across the Dulwich Estate

Grassy areas across the Estate are being left to grow, as part of a commitment to improve biodiversity. The Estate is taking part in the annual No Mow May initiative by reducing mowing for the month across its grassy areas. The Estate has relaid wildflower turf in many of the common areas. Species such as betony, buttercup, cowslip, meadowsweet, ox eye daisy, red campion, vetch, yellow rattle and yarrow will flourish.

The greatest benefit to biodiversity in maintaining verges and lawns comes from encouraging flowering plants to increase as a percentage of the grass sward.

Gardeners will allow grassed areas formerly mown on a minimum two-week basis to thrive uncut for the whole month. This helps insects and other wildlife that are the basis of a food chain upon which birds and other animals depend. Other significant benefits include helping to reduce storm water runoff and the effect of airborne pollution, particularly near schools.

The perimeter of some sites will be maintained to a lower and more frequently maintained height, with areas currently used for play or required for access cut regularly to give a cleaner edge.

More information on No Mow May can be found here.