Author Archives: stevetomlin

Yellow rattle in urban meadow

I’ve been working with some local volunteers at Highfield Country Park in Levenshulme, Manchester to manage a few areas to try and create small meadows to enhance the biodiversity. Last autumn, we sowed yellow rattle seed which I’d collected from … Continue reading

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Scything workshop in Lancashire sunshine

A sunny day and another lovely group on my Learn to Scythe workshop this weekend at Bell Skyes in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire. Especially gratifying for me to have Adam in the group who introduced himself as ‘the reluctant … Continue reading

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Learn to Scythe book

If youve taken part in No Mow May 2024 or are interested in creating a wildflower meadow, you may be thinking about buying an Austrian scythe. I always recommend that people attend a scythe workshop to learn the best way … Continue reading

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Scythe workshop in North Yorkshire

My first public Learn to Scythe workshop for the 2024 season took place this weekend at Foxglove Covert LNR in North Yorkshire. Seven beginners spent the morning learning to set up the Austrian scythes and how to hone to maintain … Continue reading

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Local councils join No Mow May 2024

It’s great to read that 40 local councils have signed up to No Mow May 2024 to leave some of their verges and parks to grow and increase biodiversity. Is your local council one of them?

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May whistle instructions

May Day is a traditional time of year to make a simple wooden whistle from the hedgerow. While the sap is rising, you can slip the bark off a stick as a tube then carve the airway and cavity. It’s … Continue reading

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No Mow May 2024

Whatever size your meadow or garden is, No Mow May is a worthwhile project to try and see what plants grow. Obviously, the timing will depend on where you are in the world and the species you already have but … Continue reading

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Fellsman mandatory spoon

This weekend I’ll be attempting to complete The Fellsman, a 61mile navigational event with 11000ft of climbing across the Yorkshire Dales. It’ll be the furthest I’ve ever run and I’m hoping to complete in 24hrs, meaning I’ll be spending a … Continue reading

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Carving an eating spoon

While I was in Derbyshire the other week, I had some spare time to carve, using some beautiful, fresh cherry wood. After splitting the log and marking out a pattern, I carve using an axe to create the shape. As … Continue reading

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How to make a wooden hay rake video – Austria

I’ve been making my own wooden hay rakes for a few years now but I’m still learning about the craft and intrested in examples from other regions. My friend Christiane brought me one from Austria and sent me the link … Continue reading

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