Abbeyleix Tidy Towns has announced the return of its ‘No Mow May’ Pollinator Lawn Art Competition for 2025.
Following success of last year’s initiative, this year’s competition will once again celebrate creativity, community spirit, and biodiversity.
Participants are invited to reimagine their lawns by letting them grow wild throughout May, while mowing creative pathways or pollinator-themed designs.
This fun, family-friendly competition is part of the wider Abbeyleix Pollinator Project, supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and local biodiversity efforts.
So how does it work?
1. Let Your Lawn Grow – In May, participants should allow a part of their lawn to grow, leaving it unmowed to encourage wildflowers and provide food and shelter for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects.
2. Mow Creative Designs – Create your own lawn art by mowing paths, shapes, or patterns into the unmown sections. Get inspired by nature, pollinators, or create your own abstract designs.
The competition is part of the Abbeyleix Pollinator Project, supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and raising awareness about the importance of creating spaces for pollinators.
“This competition is not only about celebrating creativity but also protecting our precious pollinators,” said Robbie Quinn, Chairperson of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.
“It’s a fun, engaging way for the community to come together and make a positive impact.”
The first “No Mow May” competition in Abbeyleix was a great success, showcasing the creativity and commitment of the local community to pollinator conservation.
Last year’s winners included students from Scoil Mhuire, who impressed the judges with a range of imaginative designs such as the school’s initials, a love heart, a butterfly and a flowing summer swirl.
To enter, take a photo of your lawn art and share it on the Abbeyleix Facebook page or Instagram account with a short description of your design.
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality: How unique and imaginative is the design?
- Visual Appeal: How aesthetically pleasing is the lawn art?
- Pollinator Habitat Potential: How much of the design contributes to creating a space for pollinators?
First Prize is €200; Second and Third Prizes are vouchers for local Abbeyleix businesses. The winners will be announced in June.
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