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Category Archives: Scytherspace
Scything Manchester community orchard
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 … Continue reading
Scything course in Leicester
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 … Continue reading
Scything course at Bell Sykes, Lancashire
A gorgeous day for the first Learn to Scythe course of 2023. We were based at Bell Sykes Farm in Slaidburn, Lancashire which is always a delight with beautiful wildflower meadow. 8 participants worked really well despite the hot day … Continue reading
Posted in scythe courses, Scytherspace
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101 Coronation meadows
Great news today in the GuardianGuardian that the Coronation meadow scheme has been successful in increasing the wildflower meadow habitat across the UK. I’ve been teaching Learn to Scythe courses at Bell Sykes Farm, the Coronation meadow for Lancashire for … Continue reading
No Mow May 2023 Countryfile article
It’s fantastic to see how the No Mow May campaign has taken off over the last few years and is getting more and more attention. This lovely article on the Countryfile website gives lots of detail about the benefits of … Continue reading
Scythe peening in the Guardian
A fantastic article in the Guardian this week about peening scythe blades. We’ve been promoting the use of the scythe in the UK for 18 years now and I love how it has gone from a very niche activity to … Continue reading
Posted in peening & sharpening, Scytherspace
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Can you scythe on a slope?
Scything on a slope is one of the most common questions I’m asked about during my Learn to Scythe courses. This summer, the ranger at Hassall Green Nature Reserve in Staffordshire asked if it was possible for me and a … Continue reading
Scythe peening workshop 2022
If you’ve had your scythe for a few months (or longer) now, it’s probably time to peen the blade. This can be a daunting prospect the first few times you do it but is an important part of scythe maintenance … Continue reading
Honing your scythe in the field
I’ve been teaching people how to hone their scythe blade while kneeling for many years. This method is much safer than standing and allows you to work more accurately and effectively. This week, I was demonstrating and came up with … Continue reading
Scything at National Trust Gibside
At the peak of last week’s heatwave, on the hottest day of the year (so far), I was at Gibside in Co Durham teaching a Learn to Scythe course for the National Trust ranger team. Apart from trying not to … Continue reading