Leave the summer mown grass in place for a few sunny days to become 'hay' and release seeds to refresh the lawn for next year and also provide food for seed-eating birds and other wildlife. The 'hay' can then be removed and composted." 4. Compost grass mowings

Strawberry Thief is William Morris’ most famous pattern and is based on the thrushes that he observed stealing strawberries from his kitchen garden at Kelmscott Manor. This design was made using a complex printing technique known as indigo discharge, and was an expensive luxury fabric when it was first produced. Scented with an invigorating fragrance with 12 essential oils and notes of bergamot, sweet orange and earthy vetiver. Allowing at least some of the grass to grow tall, perhaps with mown paths through the taller areas, is highly beneficial to wildlife and brings advantages to gardeners too," says Guy, who reminds us that a rich garden ecosystem can keep pests under control naturally.Removing and composting all grass mowings also supports wildlife by reducing soil fertility," says Guy. "Running down fertility, assuming no fertiliser is applied, leads to turf becoming more sparse which allows room for wildflowers, particularly clovers, and wildlife." 5. Leave some weeds in place

We asked RHS Chief Horticulturalist Guy Barter to share his expert tips on how to mow your lawn to give your garden wildlife the best chance of thriving throughout the year... 1. Keep a variety of lengths In need of some positivity, heartwarming countryside news and spring gardening advice? Sign up to our free Country Living newsletter for your weekly dose of escapism. A useful and beautiful gift for gardeners of adjustable lightweight gardening gloves with the Strawberry Thief design, and shea butter enriched Bergamot & Vetiver hand cream. Self-care, practicality and design working together, hand in glove.Lawn weeds – like daisies, clovers and plantains – support wildlife and, being very flat, are passed over by the mower," says Guy. Don't make an extra effort to eradicate them if the mower misses them.