From colourful wildflowers and buzzing bees to fluttering butterflies and visiting birds, selected public spaces will be allowed to grow naturally as part of the municipality’s No Mow September campaign.

From 1 to 30 September 2026, mowing will be temporarily suspended at selected parks, public open spaces, greenbelts and road verges. The initiative allows grass, wildflowers and indigenous vegetation to flower, produce seeds and provide valuable food and habitat for insects and other wildlife.

The campaign supports biodiversity by creating natural spaces where pollinators such as bees and butterflies can find nectar and pollen, while giving local plant species an opportunity to establish and reproduce.

Signs reading “Pardon the Weeds, We Are Feeding the Bees” will be placed at participating sites to remind residents that these areas are intentionally being allowed to grow.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the initiative demonstrates how a simple change in maintenance practices can have a meaningful environmental impact.

“No Mow September gives nature an opportunity to take centre stage. By allowing these spaces to grow and flower, we create valuable habitats for pollinators and other wildlife while supporting the biodiversity of our beautiful Kouga.”

He encouraged residents to embrace the initiative rather than viewing naturally growing vegetation as untidy.

“Sometimes we need to step back and allow nature to do what it does best. What may look like an overgrown patch is actually a busy ecosystem providing food, shelter and breeding opportunities for countless species.”

Residents can also participate at home by allowing suitable sections of their gardens to grow, planting indigenous and pollinator-friendly flowers, creating small wildflower patches and observing the wildlife attracted to these spaces.

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