Since 2022, the Méi net am Mee – No Mow May – campaign has been organised in Luxembourg. Originally launched in the UK, it aims to raise awareness about biodiversity and encourage people to rethink how they manage green spaces.
Spring is a crucial period for nature. During these weeks, many flowers begin to grow in meadows, producing seeds and allowing plants to reproduce naturally. For this reason, authorities advise against mowing lawns too early in the season, particularly throughout May.
The variety of flowers found in a meadow depends on several factors, including location and soil quality. Species such as clover or cuckoo flowers are common and play an important role, as they produce large amounts of nectar that support insects.
As Michelle Clemens, a biologist at the Environment and Nature Conservation Syndicate (SIAS), explained, not all areas need to be left untouched. Spaces that are frequently used, such as places where children play or paths people walk along, can still be mown regularly, depending on how quickly the grass grows.
Many municipalities have been taking part in the campaign for several years. Roadside signs often indicate areas where mowing is reduced, marked with the message Méi net am Mee.
This approach is also increasingly applied in urban areas. Where more flowers are allowed to grow, more insects, such as butterflies and bees, can be observed.
Clemens also pointed out that even small actions can make a difference, saying that people can use apps such as iNaturalist to identify species and better understand local biodiversity.
Less frequently mown areas are particularly valuable habitats for wildlife, supporting insects such as flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. Birds may also use these spaces for nesting.
Clemens highlighted the importance of transitional zones, where short and taller grass meet. She added that these areas create different microclimates, which many species rely on to regulate their body temperature, moving between warmer and cooler spots depending on conditions.
Finally, Clemens encouraged people to take action at home as well. Creating a wildflower meadow in one’s garden can significantly benefit biodiversity, and specially adapted seed mixes from Luxembourg are available for this purpose, she said.
In recent years certain species, such as the cuckoo flower, have even started to reappear more frequently, a small but encouraging sign for local ecosystems.
