Tag Archives: scythe

Scythes on BBC tv – Countryfile

This week I got a call asking if I would teach John Craven to scythe for an episode of the BBC’s Countryfile programme. They were filming at Brantwood House and focussing on John Ruskin’s work in training and education. My recent … Continue reading

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Love in the Meadow

During preparations for the Northern Scythe Competition, Christiane and I found ourselves mowing the same swath, perfect opportunity for some love in the meadow.

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Northern Open Scythe Competition

Nevermind the Olympics, the results you’ve all been waiting for are the winners of the 1st Northern Open Scythe Competition held as part of the Hay Time Scythe Event this week. Christiane and I went over to the North Pennines … Continue reading

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Scything in Scotland

Last summer Christiane and I did a road-trip up to the Black Isle for a Transition Town group who wanted to learn scything. We had a brilliant time and so I was very glad to be invited up to Forres, … Continue reading

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Left hand scythe

While we were at the Somerset Scythe Festival I had the chance to try a left hand scythe. Mowing is traditionally a right-handed occupation, mostly so that mowers could work together in a team and everyone’s windrow would fall to … Continue reading

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Dawn Mowing at Brantwood House

Time, once again, for the ‘dawn mowing’ at Brantwood, former home of John Ruskin.  Last year, Sally Beamish invited early-rising north west scythers to join her in the beautiful lakeside hay meadow, to mow and prepare for the first outdoor theatre … Continue reading

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Scythe Teachers' course 2012

This year I was invited to teach part of the course for people wanting to teach how to mow. These have been running since 2010 and I’ve been involved throughout, consulting on the content and working behind the scenes, especially … Continue reading

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Peening in the kitchen

I’ve got a fully-booked ‘Learn to Mow’ course tomorrow with a group of beginners coming over to Cumbria to learn to use a scythe. So today I’m peening the blades in preparation. When you come on one of my courses … Continue reading

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Somerset Scythe Festival 2012

It’s over a week ago now since the Somerset Green Scythe Fair but I’ve only just got chance to sit down and go through all my photos having spent most of last week in Edinburgh for the Royal Highland Show. … Continue reading

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Anna Karenina trailer

Last summer I was commissioned to make snaths for the scythes used in the new Anna Karenina film which will be released this autumn. With other mowers from the UK community we also worked as extras in the filming of … Continue reading

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