GREEN spaces in South Somerset are being left alone to thrive thanks to a new trial.

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) are starting a No Mow Trial, where they intend to let wildlife and wildflowers prosper.

The council will be changing their mowing routine to do so in certain areas. These include Ilminster, Cuckington, Milborne Port, Ansford and Castle Cary.

SSDC are hoping to create enough nectar for ten times more bees and other pollinators.

Now the green spaces are no longer being mowed five times a year, there will also be a variety of wildflowers in these towns and villages.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, SSDC's portfolio holder for environment, said the past year has made us realise the 'importance and benefits' of nature.

"During lockdown we saw how the natural world thrived when not interfered with by humans," she said.

"The SSDC No Mow trials are a way we can reassess how and where we mow SSDC land, it will inspire us to look at marginal spaces in a different way, and break the habitual cycle of mowing for mowing’s sake, by allowing them to become biodiverse havens for wildlife.”

The No Mow project has been developed in collaboration with South Somerset communities, parish and town councils and the grass cutting crews at SSDC.

Residents in the area can also join in with the project, by marking out an area and leaving it to grow during the summer and beyond.

SSDC horticulture specialist, Stephen Fox, added: “Our team is looking forward to altering the cutting regimes and monitoring how the verges and open spaces respond to this new approach.

"We do appreciate that this change might generate some interest as residents start to see our green areas looking different, we are always happy to answer questions on our approach and we will use all our learning from this year to inform even wider programmes for next year.

"Thanks to all the parishes and groups who have stepped forward to be part of the trials. We hope many more areas will be on board for next year.”

To find out more about how to mow your lawn for wildlife, visit plantlife.org.uk/uk/about-us/news/how-to-mow-your-lawn-for-wildlife.