No Mow May to be extended to more sites
14 March 2025The Estate will be letting most of its common areas grow wild this Spring.
Last year we participated in No Mow May and saw some rare flower species flourish. A colony of bee orchids has continued to establish on grass amenity land near Sydenham Hill. Five were discovered and protected last year. There are now up 30 established plants. It is the only verified colony within 5km and so is one of the most important in south London. It is also a good indicator for other wildflowers. Rare species may be lying dormant in the soil seedbank.
The area will be left unmown over Spring and early Summer to allow seed heads to mature and disperse. This will also help wildflowers to establish further within the grass sward, maximising the benefit to biodiversity, especially pollinators and birds, whilst providing a colourful display.
Several sites were left to grow last year and these threw up some natural treasures. Meadow saxifrage was spotted and is currently being protected to the rear of Hunters Meadow estate on Dulwich Wood Park. The delightfully named corky fruited water dropwort is recorded on Sydenham Hill. Wild garlic has been found at the access road at Great Brownings and a wildflower scheme has been completed at Low Wood Cross Lane.
