No Mow May
No Mow May: Letting Nature Lead
A reflection from Leedam Natural Burials
Each May, people across the country choose to let their lawns grow wild, resisting the hum of the mower in favour of birdsong, bees, and blooming clover.
It’s called No Mow May, and it’s a simple yet powerful gesture: do less, and let the wild return.
At Leedam, we don’t just observe this for a month. We live it all year round.
Why we let the grass grow
Our natural burial grounds are meadows and pastures are places where grasses sway, wildflowers bloom, and insects go about their quiet work undisturbed.
We don’t manicure the land or keep it pristine. We let it breathe.
And in doing so, we offer something rare: a space that feels alive.
By stepping back, we invite biodiversity in.
No pesticides. No artificial edges. Just the slow work of nature restoring itself.
The power of leaving things be
What begins with a decision not to mow can turn into something much bigger.
Even in a small garden, letting grass grow longer can:
– Provide nectar for early pollinators like bees and butterflies
– Create shelter for beetles, frogs, and other creatures
– Support birds with food and nesting materials
In our burial grounds, we’ve seen firsthand how these small wild areas make a big difference. Orchids appear. Butterflies return. Skylarks sing. Life flourishes, often in ways we didn’t expect.
A peaceful parallel
There’s something quietly beautiful about No Mow May that echoes the values of natural burial.
Just as we return to the earth without embalming or concrete or headstones, we let the land be what it is, not controlled, but cared for.
In both life and death, nature asks for gentleness. A little space. A little patience.
No Mow May is a reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply step back.
An invitation
Whether you have a garden, a verge, or even just a window box, we encourage you to take part in No Mow May.
Let the wildflowers grow. Watch what arrives. Notice the beauty in the unexpected.
And if you’d like to see what a year-round No Mow May looks like, our natural burial grounds are open to visitors. You’re welcome to wander, sit, and take in the stillness of places where nature is allowed to lead.
Let it grow. Let life return.
