Our story
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is 'Wild about Meadows' and is championing the national 'Don't Mow, Let it Grow' campaign at over 35 locations across the district including Arleston Park in Omagh and Racecourse Lough in Enniskillen, as part of Council's ongoing commitment to Biodiversity Action in the district.
By letting the grass and wildflowers flourish into the summer months, the Council is improving the biodiversity of the district by simply changing its cutting regime in key areas across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council estate. The wildflowers and range of grasses can flower and go to seed, providing valuable food for pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies and providing a habitat for many other species.
From dandelions to cuckooflower in May, to meadow buttercups, selfheal, orchids, and ragged robins throughout the summer, natural meadows can provide vital nectar to many pollinators and create a delightful show of colour for all to enjoy.
Using signage saying 'Don't Mow, Let it Grow' the public can see these verges and sites are intentionally left for pollinators and wildlife. This work is one of the many actions for pollinators and biodiversity undertaken annually by the Council and is already committed to in the Fermanagh and Omagh Climate Action Plan and is an integral part of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2022 - 2027.
We engaged with communities and schools, as well as the public, on how to manage and create their own meadows as well as informing them about Council meadow sites. In this way, we can create more nature-friendly green spaces and connected nature corridors across the entire district.
Our advice
Seek out locations that are suitable to let meadows grow or for new meadows to be sowed. Get approval for this use. Consider how the land will be managed using mechanical or other means.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the increased areas of land where grass and wildflowers flourish; boost to local pollinator populations; carbon stored in the soil; carbon emissions and money saved annually through less grass cutting; and increased public awareness about creating more nature-friendly green spaces.
