Slow mow
Now here's something we can all willingly help out with this summer.
Not only does it give nature a helping hand - it also gives 'the mowers' amongst us a very good excuse not to mow the lawns quite so often! ;)
RSPB Cymru are asking us not to mow our lawns quite so much and to spare a thought for the wild flowers that may or may not be springing up in the middle of your lawn.
Not only do they look nice but they provide valuable pollen for our insect friends and we all know how much trouble our bees are in currently.
A hoverfly feeding on a daisy by Gareth Morgan:
And let's face it, the flowers tend to be past their best after a couple of weeks anyway, (depending on the species) so enjoy them while you can.
I've recently spared two types of primrose and some rogue 'forget-me-nots' and my lawn is pretty small.
So, longer lawns = more flowers = more insects = more food for our garden birds = more food for chicks.
Another tip is to shorten the blades on your lawnmower so the grass remains a little longer after cutting.
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Now, if all this sounds like too much hard work (I can't believe it would) but if it does, then how about setting aside a little area in your garden for some longer grass? It could just be a foot square but left a little longer for a couple of weeks.
Thrushes, blackbirds, dunnocks, finches and house sparrows all love to feed in longer grass.
It's not just us though...The RSPB are also urging local councils to leave roadside verges to grow for a few more weeks, before they're trimmed.
I've noticed loads of dandelions lately as I drive home from work and they bring a lovely splash of colour to an otherwise dull roadside. They also provide a valuable source of nectar for bees.
Fancy turning your garden into more of a wildlife haven?
Visit the and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Breathing Places for some simple ideas that will make a big difference in your garden.
If you've tried any of these out then take a picture and send it in or let me know what you've been up to in the comments area.
Thanks
Gull
Not only does it give nature a helping hand - it also gives 'the mowers' amongst us a very good excuse not to mow the lawns quite so often! ;)
RSPB Cymru are asking us not to mow our lawns quite so much and to spare a thought for the wild flowers that may or may not be springing up in the middle of your lawn.
Not only do they look nice but they provide valuable pollen for our insect friends and we all know how much trouble our bees are in currently.
A hoverfly feeding on a daisy by Gareth Morgan:
And let's face it, the flowers tend to be past their best after a couple of weeks anyway, (depending on the species) so enjoy them while you can.
I've recently spared two types of primrose and some rogue 'forget-me-nots' and my lawn is pretty small.
So, longer lawns = more flowers = more insects = more food for our garden birds = more food for chicks.
Another tip is to shorten the blades on your lawnmower so the grass remains a little longer after cutting.
Ìý
Now, if all this sounds like too much hard work (I can't believe it would) but if it does, then how about setting aside a little area in your garden for some longer grass? It could just be a foot square but left a little longer for a couple of weeks.
Thrushes, blackbirds, dunnocks, finches and house sparrows all love to feed in longer grass.
It's not just us though...The RSPB are also urging local councils to leave roadside verges to grow for a few more weeks, before they're trimmed.
I've noticed loads of dandelions lately as I drive home from work and they bring a lovely splash of colour to an otherwise dull roadside. They also provide a valuable source of nectar for bees.
Fancy turning your garden into more of a wildlife haven?
Visit the and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Breathing Places for some simple ideas that will make a big difference in your garden.
If you've tried any of these out then take a picture and send it in or let me know what you've been up to in the comments area.
Thanks
Gull
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