As we all experience another spell of prolonged dry weather, many lawns, verges and green spaces have turned brown, leaving people wondering whether their grass has died. The good news is that, in most cases, it hasn't, writes the Monmouthshire Meadows Group.

Grass is remarkably resilient. Many native grasses naturally become dormant during prolonged dry periods, slowing their growth and turning brown to conserve water – but they are capable of growing once the rain returns. Whilst a brown lawn may look lifeless, there's often far more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.

For wildflower meadows, drying out is part of the process. These species-rich habitats have evolved over centuries to cope with changing weather conditions. Their deep-rooted plants can often access moisture much further underground than the shallow roots of intensively managed lawns, making healthy meadows extremely resilient.

However, increasingly frequent and prolonged periods of drought present new challenges. Flowers may bloom for shorter periods, produce less nectar and set fewer seeds, reducing food for pollinating insects. This can have knock-on effects throughout the wider ecosystem, affecting everything from birds to small mammals that rely on healthy insect populations.

One of the simplest ways people can help wildlife this summer is also one of the easiest: mow less.

Leaving grass slightly longer helps shade the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping moisture in the ground for longer. Longer grass also provides shelter for insects and allows flowering plants such as clover, selfheal and bird's-foot trefoil to bloom, offering valuable nectar when many other sources are drying up. The deep roots of clover and bird’s-foot trefoil allow it to stay green longer, keeping your lawn more colourful. By contrast, closely mown grass often dries out quicker and provides little food or shelter for wildlife.

Traditional hay meadows demonstrate that grasslands don't need constant cutting to remain healthy. In fact, many species-rich meadows are only cut once a year after wildflowers have finished flowering and set seed. This annual hay cut helps maintain the low-nutrient conditions that allow a diverse range of wildflowers to thrive year after year.

The exact timing of the hay cut varies depending on weather and plant growth. During particularly dry summers, growth patterns can change, and land managers carefully assess each meadow to ensure that the flowers have had the opportunity to set seed before cutting takes place – for example this year, the ideal hay cut has come much earlier – very much solidifying the old saying “make hay whilst the sun shines”.

So if your lawn has turned brown this summer, don't panic—and don't assume it's dead. Nature is often more resilient than it appears. Instead of reaching for the lawnmower, consider giving your grass a little more time. Beneath that golden sun-baked surface, it is simply waiting for the rain.

If you’d like to learn more about local wildlife and meadows, including events and advice for land owners then please visit the Monmouthshire Meadows Group website: monmouthshiremeadows.org.uk