You may have noticed that the borough’s grass is looking a bit longer than usual and that is because Ealing Council has been taking part in No Mow May.

This is a national campaign to help our bees, butterflies and wildlife, and a good reason to let the grass grow.

Ealing Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, committing to treat the climate and ecological emergency as a crisis requiring immediate and vital action. Its aim is to become carbon neutral, as a borough and an organisation by 2030. It is initiatives like No Mow May that can help to change behaviours and the way we look after our environment.

The council adopted a Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy earlier this year and it is committed to using its influence to reduce emissions emitted across the borough, and help to mitigate climate change and reduce the loss of plants and wildlife.

Following on from No Mow May, is Let It Bloom June whereby residents are encouraged to allow the flowers to grow in their garden.

Greener Ealing Ltd, which looks after the council’s parks and open spaces, is leaving some areas in parks uncut through May or will be raising the height of their machines to avoid cutting most of the low growing flowing plants used by bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Birds such as goldfinches will also eat the seed heads of dandelions.

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, the council’s newly appointed deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “We are very lucky in Ealing to have so much green space and we fully support initiatives like No Mow May. It is a small step that anyone can take towards helping the environment and it is a joy to see the borough in full bloom.

“Like many residents I’ve grown to appreciate our green spaces much more during lockdown and the rainfall we have had this month has certainly helped them to flourish.”

When the time comes to cutting your lawn you could try your hand at composting at home, or otherwise you can take your garden waste to a recycling centre. There is one in Greenford, but please remember to book a slot to visit.

Alternatively, the council offers a fortnightly garden waste collection service which residents can benefit from by signing up to the service.
The waste is taken away to be recycled and turned into compost, rather than ending up in landfill and creating harmful greenhouse gases. The cost of the service can even be shared with a neighbour if you team-up and share a green waste bin for a year-long joint subscription.

Concessionary rates are available for those aged over 65 and those on means-tested benefits. Subscribers can choose between using green bags or a green wheelie bin, depending on how big your garden is and how much waste you produce. You can pay either up-front or spread the cost by direct debit.

For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk/gardenwaste