Overview

• The 'Mähfreier Mai' initiative, inspired by England's 'No Mow May,' encourages less mowing to allow wildflowers to bloom and provide food for insects like bees and butterflies.
• Public spaces in participating municipalities, such as Wunsiedel in Bavaria, will remain unmown in May, with signage highlighting the campaign's ecological goals.
• Experts recommend delayed mowing, using scythes, and section-by-section cutting to create refuges for wildlife and sustain long-term biodiversity gains.
• Germany's 17 million private gardens, covering an estimated 2% of the country's land, are seen as significant contributors to biodiversity when managed with conservation in mind.
• The campaign also highlights practical benefits for municipalities, including reduced maintenance costs and labor, while promoting awareness of diverse and natural landscapes.