No Mow May

In addition to the woodland area at Birley, the University is participating this year by allowing some areas of our campus to grow which we have signposted.

For campuses located within city environments such as Manchester Met, participating in No Mow May has several benefits for the environment, community and local users, such as:

Encouraging biodiversity: Inner city campuses often have limited green spaces, which can impact biodiversity. By participating in No Mow May, these campuses can encourage the growth of different types of plants, providing food and shelter for a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. This can help increase biodiversity on the campus and in the surrounding area.

Reducing air and noise pollution: Lawn mowers and other maintenance equipment used on inner city campuses can contribute to air and noise pollution, impacting the health and well-being of people who use these spaces. By participating in No Mow May, campuses can reduce the use of these machines, leading to a decrease in pollution levels.

Saving resources: An easy one, our staff can allocate time to other tasks in May, focussing on cleaning the rest of the campus and supporting the gardening club (when the weather is good!).

Providing educational opportunities: No Mow May can also provide educational opportunities for students and staff. By participating in this initiative, campuses can raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, pollinators, and the impact of human activities on the environment. This can inspire students and staff to take action and make positive changes in their own lives.

Promoting mental health: Inner city areas can be stressful environments, green spaces on our campus can provide a respite from the noise and hustle and bustle of city life. By participating in No Mow May, campuses can create natural spaces that provide a sense of calm and relaxation for students and staff. This can promote mental health and well-being, leading to a more productive and positive campus community.

Simon McCole and Tom Hay, the University’s Duty Managers for External Grounds said:

 “Our aim is to balance our dual goals of supporting the local ecology and presenting our campus in its absolute best light to our staff and students. We are looking towards rewilding where we can and reducing the extent of our grass cutting. This will support pollinators along with a variety of invertebrate species, supporting the local food chain for birds and small mammals.”

By taking part in this initiative, our campus can make a positive impact on the environment and create a healthier and more vibrant community for students and staff.