Council embraces No Mow May to support pollinators

Offaly County Council will be doing its bit to support pollinators by embracing No Mow May at selected sites throughout the county this month.

The initiative supports pollinators by allowing wildflowers and grasses to bloom throughout the month of May.

This effort forms part of the council’s commitments under the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and aligns with actions in the Offaly Biodiversity and Climate Action Plans.

The project is a collaboration between the Offaly County Council Heritage & Biodiversity Team, Climate Action Team, and Municipal District Teams, showcasing its commitment to protecting and enhancing local biodiversity while engaging with communities.

As part of the council’s wider grassland management project, which works alongside local residential groups and Tidy Towns committees, selected areas will be left uncut throughout May to provide vital food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

To ensure accessibility and tidiness, the edges and pathways of these sites will still be mown, and informative signs will be installed to raise awareness.

Pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and small changes in how we manage green spaces can make a big difference.

Offaly County Council encourages residents and communities to get involved by leaving some areas of their gardens or green spaces uncut this May.

Offaly County Council Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan said: “Everybody can get involved in No Mo May, no matter if they have 200 acres or a hanging basket to work with, people can learn what pollinator-friendly actions might work for them at http://pollinators.ie. Further to this, we invite people to share their own efforts on social media using #NoMowMay and #OffalyBiodiversity.

“To celebrate No Mow May and the importance of our pollinators, Offaly County Council will host a spring flower walk at Tullamore Wetlands (across from the Tullamore Fire Station) on the evening of Friday, May 16, beginning at 7pm, led by local botanist Fiona Devery. The event is family friendly and free to attend.

For further details on Offaly’s pollinator initiatives or to get involved, contact biodiversity@offalycoco.ie. Let’s give nature a helping hand this May!