No Mow May at the De La Warr Pavilion

The De La Warr Pavilion is pleased to announce that we are taking part in No Mow May, a nationwide initiative led by Plantlife that encourages people and organisations to put away the lawnmower and let nature grow. As part of this, we will be leaving our back roadway unmown for the entire month, allowing what is usually a closely managed space to be left naturally for a while.

At first glance, choosing not to mow might seem like a small gesture, but it plays a meaningful role in supporting local ecosystems. Across the UK, an estimated 97% of flower-rich meadows have been lost since the 1930s, dramatically reducing the habitats that wildlife depends on. This loss is felt most acutely by pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which rely on wildflowers for nectar, particularly in early spring when food sources can be scarce. By simply letting grass grow, common plants like dandelions, daisies and clovers are given the chance to bloom, turning even modest patches of land into important feeding grounds.

Leaving our back roadway to grow is one way we can contribute to this wider effort. Longer grass provides not only food, but also shelter and breeding spaces for insects, which in turn support birds and other wildlife. It’s a reminder that biodiversity can thrive in everyday spaces, including those at the centre of towns like Bexhill. In doing so, we are also reducing the environmental impact associated with regular mowing.

We recognise that an unmown space may look untidy to begin with. But over the course of the month, this will gradually change, allowing wildflowers to emerge and insects to return. What might initially appear unfamiliar near the Bexhill seafront, will reveal itself to be rich with life. No Mow May invites us to reconsider what we value in our shared spaces, shifting away from neatness as the default and towards a more natural landscape.

As an organisation rooted in culture, the De La Warr Pavilion is always exploring ways to engage with the environment around us. Heather Getty, Duty General Manager, and part of our Green Team, commented: “Taking part in No Mow May is a simple step that connects us to a much larger national movement, one that highlights how collective small actions can have a significant impact.”

While the campaign focuses on the month of May, it also shows how green spaces are managed throughout the year, and how we can continue to support biodiversity beyond a single campaign. By allowing this space to grow, we are making room for nature to return and inviting our visitors to notice the changes as they unfold. It’s a quiet transformation, but an important one that demonstrates that sometimes the most positive action we can take is to step back and let nature lead.

 

Posted by Joel Cheshire on Thursday 30 April 2026