Category Archives: scythe courses

Scything workshop at Chester Zoo

Posted on June 25, 2026 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Scything course in Penrith

Posted on August 8, 2025 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Can you scythe in the rain?

Posted on July 21, 2025 by stevetomlin

I’m often asked this question as the British summer doesn’t always guarantee long sunny days. The short answer is yes, the scythe has no problem with the rain and you can even work with it underwater if managing a pond … Continue reading →

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Hebden Bridge scything workshop 2025

Posted on July 19, 2025 by stevetomlin

I’m just back home after two days teaching a group how to scythe at Hebden Bridge for the High Hirst meadow project. During the workshop we looked at setting up the Austrian scythes, honing, peening and mowing technique for cutting … Continue reading →

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Beginners scything workshop in Manchester

Posted on July 14, 2025 by stevetomlin

The Austrian scythe is a perfect tool for working in urban areas and I’m very proud of how many projects in Manchester are now working this way. At the weekend I taught a Learn to Scythe workshop for some beginners … Continue reading →

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Scythe course in Staffordshire 2025

Posted on July 14, 2025 by stevetomlin

It’s always a treat to be back at Silverdale Country Park training volunteers how to use an Austrian scythe. This year the weather was hot, hot, hot but the group did a fantastic job and I’m looking forward to working … Continue reading →

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How to peen a scythe workshop 2025

Posted on June 30, 2025 by stevetomlin

Peening is an essential element of maintaining your Austrian scythe. Hammering the blade creates a finer edge so the blade cuts sweetly as you mow your meadow. This can be a daunting process for a scythe beginner so each year … Continue reading →

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Scything course in Kendal

Posted on June 20, 2025 by stevetomlin

I’ve done quite a lot of scythe training for Cumbria Wildlife Trust over the years and it was great to be delivering another Learn to Scythe workshop for them in Kendal. A group of volunteers were being trained to scythe … Continue reading →

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Scything workshop in Manchester

Posted on June 13, 2025 by stevetomlin

A damp day in Manchester for a beginners scything workshop for volunteers of Friends of Chorlton Park. This didn’t dampen the group’s spirits though and you can still scythe in the rain so we had a great day. If your … Continue reading →

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Learn to Scythe in Cumbria

Posted on May 26, 2025 by stevetomlin

Last summer I travelled up to Whitehaven in West Cumbria to teach a Learn to Scythe workshop for The Land Trust at Haig Park.It was a great day mowing their wildflower meadow with views over the harbour. I specialise in … Continue reading →

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