Scythes in the city

I’m really excited to be teaching some Learn to Scythe courses in city settings this summer. This weekend I have been working with a group of Sustrans volunteers teaching them how to scythe to manage the vegetation along the Fallowfield Loop, a cycle path through South Manchester.
There are patches of grass as well as rougher areas of brambles, rosebay willowherb and bindweed so, with two days available, we started out in the nicer areas to learn the principles of cutting grass with the scythe before tackling the tough weeds using some different techniques. There was also time for sharpening, peening and practice of how to pass on their new knowledge to other volunteers.

What a fun group of folk too; I suggested they should look ‘urban’ for the team photo to emphasise the city location and they didn’t let me down.

If you’re interested in getting involved contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, Abigail Pound on volunteers-nw@sustrans.org.uk or call 0161 923 6050.