Updates

Check out some of the key information gathered from the Public Perception Survey, which was carried out to provide evidence to support the benefits of Don’t Mow Let it Grow, includes:In total, 190 people participated in the surveyAround 97% of respondents think it is important to manage areas in NI for wildlife80% of respondents prefer the longer grass shown in photos to shortly mown grassThe vast majority of respondents (~95%) felt it was important to increase public understanding of our native plants and animalsWildlife benefits were rated as the most … [Read more...] about Public Perception Survey Results

The UK-wide State of Nature report was launched on the 14th September, the report assesses the health of the United Kingdom’s habitats and species.A series of events are being held to raise awareness of environmental issues among politicians and the public including a launch event at Stormont for the State of Nature Report for Northern Ireland, that coincided with the start of NI Environment Week.Our Don’t Mow, Let It Grow project has been included in this years report. Please see the case study written by Rachel Bain, Causeway Coast and Glens Biodiversity officer - state of nature … [Read more...] about State of Nature Report 2016

‘Don’t Mow, Let It Grow’ took meadows and wildflowers to the East Strand village during the 2016 Airwaves in Portrush.  As the Airshow took to the skies our roadshow team worked with children on art and planting activities while we talked to their parents and others about the importance of the project.Little Jessica McCallion had a lovely time planting her own winter pansie and making her own meadow. … [Read more...] about Hitting the ‘Airwaves’

As the summer draws to a close the flowers and grasses of our meadows have flowered and set seed, which means its now time to mow them and lift the cuttings. Over the coming weeks the grasslands within the project will be getting cut, and we are hoping for some more sunshine as the old saying goes ‘make hay while the sun shines’, as this makes the seeds dry and aids them to fall off and return to the seed bank in the soil for next year.       It is important, where possible, to lift the cut grasses as this will reduce the … [Read more...] about Make Hay While the Sun Shines

The project hopes to challenge and change people’s desire for neat and tidy mown grass and open eyes and minds to the beauty and many benefits of a more meadow style management.We would like to hear your view, please have your say by following the link below and completing this quick online survey. Public perception surveyThe survey will be available on our website until the end of September. … [Read more...] about Have your Say – Short V Long

Ecosystems provide goods and services that underpin all life on Earth. The term ‘ecosystem services’ is used to describe the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being. They support directly or indirectly our survival and quality of life by providing things such as clean air, food and water, regulation of floods, soil erosion and disease outbreaks, and non-material benefits such as recreational and aesthetic benefits in natural areas.The health, or condition, of ecosystems can impact their ability to provide these vital services. As an ecosystem degrades, so may … [Read more...] about Ecological quality and ecosystem service benefit provision

The European and Africa Wakeboard boat championships took over Christie Park & the Bann River from 5th to 13 August. The Don’t Mow, Let It Grow team joined in the festivities on the 12th & 13th with their Don’t Mow Gazebo.There were hundreds of visitors who enjoyed making paper pots and planting winter pansies, as well as creating a meadow scene, colouring in and a garden moths show and tell. As well as learning more about the Don’t Mow, Let it grow project. If you missed us at Riverfest, then catch up with us at Airwaves, Portrush, 3rd & 4th September 2016. … [Read more...] about Riverfest 2016

Ulster Wildlife is the lead Save Our Magnificent Meadows partner in County Fermanagh, supported by a steering group of interested parties.In County Fermanagh, Save Our Magnificent Meadows focuses on purple-moor grass/rush pasture, which is deteriorating in extent and quality, and on lowland meadows and their associated species, for which County Fermanagh is one of the main strongholds of lowland meadow in Northern Ireland.Save our Magnificent Meadows has delivered significant benefits to this lovely region, including the highlights listed below. - From a standing start, we have … [Read more...] about Save our Magnificent Meadows – Fermanagh

Carricknakielt Picnic Area, on the Glenshane Road, 2 miles from Maghera, is being managed by Mid Ulster District Council to enable wildflowers to become established.  Three years ago, the site had a good ‘showing’ of Lady’s-smock (cuckooflower), and with interest from members of the public, the council initiated a management program which would increase the biodiversity value of the site, and enhance the area for visitors. A section of the site was retained unmown, allowing a range of wildflowers to develop.  The resultant increase in invertebrates using the site was noticeable, with … [Read more...] about Carricknakielt Picnic Area

The Britain in Bloom judges visited Coleraine town today, 11th August 2016, and took in all the colourful floral displays, community partnerships, and biodiversity initiatives including visiting Somerset Riverside Park which is part of the Don’t Mow Let It Grow project. … [Read more...] about Coleraine’s Britain in Bloom Entry