Encouraging and supporting biodiversity in Hastings – supporting the keys to human survival

June 5, 2020June 5, 2020

During May?Hastings Borough Council encouraged residents to take part in No Mow May, a national project by Plantlife urging people not to cut their gardens for the whole of the month to help support the pollinating insects that are key to human survival.

Councillor Maya Evans, lead member for climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development says the positive impact of residents having left the grass in their gardens to grow over May could have helped to support a huge diversity of flowers and insects. Even daisies are an important source of pollen for insects, she says. Supporting the local ecosystem in this way by supporting pollinating insects such as bees, contributes to regulating the planet and offsetting climate change Ms Evans points out.

Bees are perfectly adapted to pollinate, helping plants grow, breed and produce food.

The borough council has large areas of land that it owns and manages to protect and encourage wildlife and for residents to enjoy. These range from public parks to the award-winning Hastings Country Park nature reserve.

Ms Evans says: “This is the first year the council has endorsed the national campaign No Mow May and we hope that many residents took part.

“The aims of this campaign are really important. For many, grass left to grow looks unkept and attractive, however it’s a haven for biodiversity and pollinating insects. It’s great for supporting our local ecosystem; pollinating insects like bumblebees contribute significantly to regulating our planet and offsetting climate change.

“The council already do a lot to manage our parks, gardens and country park to promote biodiversity and encourage wildflowers to grow. There are areas within our parks and open spaces unmaintained for wildlife to flourish and wildflowers to grow naturally and allow to set seed to encourage wildflowers for the following year. Other areas are maintained twice a year during spring and late summer to allow wild plants to thrive. A few areas need to be well maintained, as longer grass can trap litter and can lead to dog fouling issues.

“This year we will be substituting bedding plants in a lot of areas with annual flower seed mixes and perennials which will attract pollinating insects. Make sure to look out for these areas when you’re out and about. We will continue to look at how we can do more.

“We hope No Mow May has inspired you and we encourage residents to take part again next year. There are all sorts of other organisations that run activities and challenges throughout the year to help encourage people to look after their natural environment.

“Throughout June, the Wildlife Trusts are running a ‘30 Days Wild’ challenge. They’re encouraging people to do ‘one wild thing’ every day in June ‘for your health, wellbeing, and for the planet’, such as plant a tree or make a house for a hedgehog, and we encourage our residents to do the same. The wildlife trust website has all the information you need, as well as some great resources to get involved.”