Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is proud to support No Mow May—an annual initiative encouraging people and organisations to reduce lawn mowing throughout May to allow wildflowers to flourish. This simple action helps provide essential food and habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies. 
NHS trusts across the North East and North Cumbria are joining forces in this effort, promoting a collaborative, region-wide approach to improving biodiversity across NHS estates. By letting grass and wildflowers grow naturally, the campaign supports healthier ecosystems and helps protect vital insect populations.
In 2024, Northumbria Healthcare launched its sustainability action plan, a roadmap toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. One of the plan’s core pillars—greening and adapting—focuses on enhancing the trust’s green spaces in partnership with local and regional organisations.
Clare Winter, head of sustainability at Northumbria Healthcare and Co-Chair of the North East & North Cumbria Provider Collaborative Sustainability Group, said:
“NHS trusts in our region are taking a united approach this May through No Mow May. Enhancing biodiversity across our extensive NHS estate brings wide-ranging environmental and health benefits. By working together, we’re not only protecting pollinators but also engaging our communities in the importance of local action. Even small changes can make a meaningful difference.”
As part of this ongoing commitment, the trust has partnered with Climate Action North to develop a Rewilding (Biodiversity) Action Plan across several sites. A key recommendation of the plan includes reducing grass cutting in specific areas during spring and summer to promote wildflower growth—an important step toward a healthier, greener future for both people and wildlife.