“What I noticed most was how connected I felt to my garden. I could see as well as hear every grasshopper, butterfly and moth,”
~ Patrick Grant, FT Aug 2024
With over 20 years of mowing experience and 14 years of teaching, I am recognised as the leading scythe instructor in the UK and the author of the ‘Learn to Scythe’ instruction book. My courses will leave you enthused and confident to scythe efficiently and safely.
No more ear defenders, visor, strimmer fumes or noise; just the sound of the birds and the swish of your blade.
The scythe will cut weeds, brambles, rushes, small scrub or grass and works in small spaces, around trees and on slopes. Mowing is gentle, non-impact exercise suitable for all ages.
“If I was given a choice of a strimmer or a scythe, I’d go scythe any day – it’s a pleasure to use.”
~ Bunny Guinness, GQT 27 May 2016
Learn to Scythe Courses 2025
-
- 25 May, Foxglove Covert LNR, N. Yorkshire
- 31 May, Bell Sykes Farm, Slaidburn, Lancashire
- 21 June, Brigflatts Meeting House, Sedbergh, Cumbria
- 20 July, Bell Sykes Farm, Slaidburn, Lancashire
- 1 August, Broadrake, Chapel-le-Dale, Yorkshire Dales
- 20 September, Brigflatts Meeting House, Sedbergh, Cumbria
- These courses fill up quickly so book to avoid disappointment. Please sign up to my newsletter to receive updates on further dates
Book your place on Eventbrite: Learn to Scythe
If you have any questions, please email stevetomlin8[at]gmail.com
I can also travel to your venue to teach an individual session or group workshop for you and some friends, see below for details.
Learn to Scythe
This day-long course introduces the scythe and is equally suited to those looking to refresh their skills, including:
-
-
- setting up the scythe to fit your body
- ergonomic mowing technique
- sharpening in the field
- peening the edge
- care and maintenance of your scythe.
-
All equipment is provided for the day and the course is also an ideal opportunity to buy a scythe kit containing everything you will need. Buy a kit during the course and you can take home the scythe you have set up for yourself and worked with during the day.
“Thanks for a great day. I was out in the field this morning mowing until the heavens opened – much easier now I know what I’m supposed to be doing and have the scythe set up properly.” ~Sally
Group Scythe Courses
If you have an allotment, community orchard, churchyard group or some friends who’d also like to learn to scythe you can book me to teach a course your own land.
As well as being cost-effective and a great team-building exercise you will get some useful work done and I can tailor the course to your specific conditions.
For further details & costs, please email me stevetomlin8[at]gmail.com
Private 1-to-1 Tuition
Personal tuiti
on at your own venue lets you choose a date to suit you and get individual attention. As well as all the standard training we normally have time to go more in depth on peening and mowing in your particular situation.
“I’ve been scything now almost daily since our lesson. Prior to that, my lower back was always stiff. Thanks, Jen”
Cost: £250/day for up to two people plus travel expenses.
BOOKING
To book, please send me an email stevetomlin8[at]gmail.com and I will send you a booking form and further course details. Please note that you must be over 18 to attend.
Tutor – Steve Tomlin
I first learned to mow while working in the Pyrenees in 2001 and am now recognised as one of the leading scythe experts in the UK.
A founding member and Training Coordinator of the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland, I have previously taught the use of the scythe for Natural England, the National Trust, the Wildlife Trust, Highgrove estate and both BBC TV Countryfile and ITV Countrywise as well as hundreds of people across England and Scotland.
Please get in touch with your query or proposal
stevetomlin8[at]gmail.com
