The scythe isn’t just a tool for rural spaces, it’s also perfect for the small green spaces that are so important in cities. Just half a mile from my home is Levenshulme community orchard, a tiny space between rows of terraced houses. I’ve been helping to manage it for a couple of years now.
The grass had really grown up during No Mow May so I decided to cut it before it started to lodge.
The grass may be tall but it’s no trouble for the scythe to cut cleanly to the ground.
I left patches of grass where the yellow rattle I previously sowed has come up. This will help reduce the density of the grass to encourage wild flowers to appear.
I’ve been back to teach a Learn to Scythe course at the Saffron Heath project in Leicester. I came for the first time last year and it was such a success that they asked me back and I was happy to oblige.
It’s always a brilliant day with people learning new skills and having fun creating their own unique spoon. Spoon carving is a perfect introduction to woodworking and a great antidote to our increasingly online lives. If you’re interested in learning, take a look at my other 
