-
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
Category Archives: Scytherspace
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Meadow Day & Northern Scythe Festival 2022
The Northern Scythe Festival and Meadows Day take place on Sat-Sun 2-3 July 2022 at The Gathering Fields, Swainshead Hall Farm, Over Wyresdale, LA2 9DN Read my post about the 2021 Northern Scythe Festival I’ll be there on Sun 3rd … Continue reading
Posted in scythe festivals & events, Scytherspace
Leave a comment
Learn to Scythe workshop in North Wales
The first Learn to Scythe course for 2022 was at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park at Holywell, North Wales. I was teaching a group of volunteers who will be using the scythes to manage areas of wildflower meadow around the site. … Continue reading