Spring flowers in grass verges provide much-needed pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, which are in steep decline globally.
 
But this vital food source is lost when grass verges and parks are cut - often unnecessarily - in Spring and early Summer.

Wildflowers and grasses were left to flourish in parks and verges across Newcastle this Spring, as COVID-19 kept grass cutters away. 

But the grass cutters returned at precisely the wrong time, robbing bees, butterflies and other pollinators of food and shelter in the months they need this the most. 

Newcastle City Council has supposedly committed ‘to adapt the local environment to provide the right conditions for all kinds of bees to increase’. 

How can a council committed to conserving bees routinely take away their food source and habitat? 

Furthermore, the Council sprays glyphosate on public land to kill off many wildflowers - often viewed as 'weeds' - which is harmful to human health and wildlife. 

40% of insect species could be extinct in the next few decades. One of the main causes is habitat loss. 

We are therefore calling on Newcastle City Council to reduce mowing times and commit to a comprehensive pollinator plan to benefit bees and other pollinators.

If you want a greener Newcastle and a healthier planet, please sign and share.