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Author Archives: stevetomlin
Learn to scythe at Chester Zoo review
A lovely review from Ruby Merriman, the Estate Biodiversity Manager at Chester Zoo: Steve delivered a 2-day scything course for 8 of us on our estate. He is a brilliant tutor and so passionate about what he teaches. The pace … Continue reading
Scything workshop at Chester Zoo
At Chester Zoo, the area open to visitors is only a small fraction of the whole site. This week, I have been delivering a Learn to Scythe workshop for the Estate Team who manage the rest of the site for … Continue reading
Free shavehorse workshops
I’m leading a series of free Greenwood working sessions this spring and summer with The Land Trust at their Hassall Green Nature Reserve in Staffordshire. Learn to split, shave and joint fresh timber to make a set of shavehorses for … Continue reading
Peening Day in Staffordshire
I’ll be leading a free scythe peening workshop at Hassal Green Nature Reserve in Staffordshire on 15th April 2026, in conjuction with The Land Trust. Scythes have been used on the Reserve for several years to manage their wildflower meadow. … Continue reading
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Learn to scythe workshop dates 2026
Learn to scythe on one of my fun, practical courses ideal for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. During the day we’ll cover every ascept of using an Austrian scythe: setting up the scythe, sharpening, mowing technique and … Continue reading
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Making hay rake teeth with tine cutter
The teeth on a factory made wooden hayrake are often the first part to break because they’re made from cheap dowel. I made the teeth for my rakes from ash with the fibers of the timber running perfectly along each … Continue reading
Learn to Scythe courses 2026
Learn to Scythe workshops for beginners and improvers at venues in Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire. I can also deliver private training for you or your group at your venue across the UK. Learn to Scythe Courses 2026 30 May, Bell … Continue reading
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Spoon carving course
My next spoon carving course for beginners and improvers is on 18th Oct 2025 at Chorlton in Manchester. During the day you’ll learn to use an axe and knives safely and efficiently to create your own unique cooking spoon from … Continue reading
Scything course in Penrith
I took a trip up to Penrith yesterday to teach a scything beginner course for Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The group are managing a new site in the area and wanting to Scythe to manage their meadows and orchard. They picked … Continue reading
Posted in scythe courses, Scytherspace
Tagged cumbria, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Penrith, Wildlife Trust
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Wooden hay rake making workshop
A wooden hay rake is a brilliant craft that incorporates a lot of skills and techniques in a deceptively simple product. First we start by cleaving an ash log and shaving the heads on the shavehorse getting them as straight … Continue reading