Category Archives: Scytherspace

Scything in the rain

Call that rain? Nowt but a bit of dampness in the air.. Thankfully it was nothing but showers and the seven students who turned up for their Learn to Scythe course had a great day. That was partly thanks to … Continue reading

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Scythe, rhymes with..?

Well, Blythe of course – or even blithe, come to think of it.

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Midsummer Mowing

It’s gloriously sunny in Kendal and the longest day so no excuse for not going out to cut some grass. Actually, my excuse is that I’ve got a little job mowing a wildflower bank in one of the gardens here … Continue reading

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The Mower

My friend Susan brought me back pictures of scythes from her recent visit to the newly revamped Tate Britain. Among them was The Mower by Sir Hamo Thornycroft. Made at the end of the 1800s it depicts a British labourer in … Continue reading

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Scything two orchards and more tussocks

I was back to Bradwell Community Orchard in Derbyshire last weekend with another beginners scythe course. I taught a group there last year and it was great to see Ellie, Andy and Sally again, mowing well but keen to have … Continue reading

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Tough grass no problem for St Nick's

A midweek course this week at St Nicholas Fields in York, a nature reserve and sustainability centre hidden in the city. Their centre manager Jonathan came and took part in last years Scythe Teachers’ course in Somerset but decided to … Continue reading

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Picard Peening Hammer update

Several people during the peening sessions I was teaching asked me about the Picard Peening hammer which I reviewed on the blog. I’m pleased to say that my friend Richard Brown ordered one from Vaughans and posted this picture of … Continue reading

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Scythe Champions 2013

After a 6 year reign by Simon Damant, the UK has a new Scythe Champion. On a beautiful day 28 competitors took part in the mowing finals at the Somerset Scythe Festival 2013. Simon made a time of 1:35 with … Continue reading

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100 Scythe Students!

Yesterday the 100th person learned to scythe with me. Counting the people I’ve taught at the Somerset and Cumbrian Scythe Festivals and while abroad it’s a lot more than that but now 100 people are mowing after coming on one … Continue reading

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Have scythes, will travel

As the spring finally arrives and the grass suddenly starts to grow many people get the idea that they’d like to learn to scythe, and quite right too. Lightweight, efficient, quiet and fun I’ve extolled the virtues of the scythe … Continue reading

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