Scything as a way of grass management

Scything Courses and Meetings at Skyegrove

Scything Association of Britain LogoIn the UK there is a ‘scything renaissance’ taking place. People are rediscovering the many benefits of managing the land with this traditional tool. No more droning of strimmers and fume-filled air. You will tune into the silence, the sound of the birds and the calm rhythm of a Tai-Chi like movement as your blade swishes gently and efficiently through the grass, leaving neat swathes of mowings ready to gather. Mowing will become a simple pleasure rather than a chore.

We are running Scything courses for Beginners and Improvers. We can also bring our teaching equipment to your own location and deliver courses to suit either individuals, or groups.

2024 Scything Meetings

Cornwall Scything Meet & International Peening Day 2024

~ Sunday April 7th 2024 10:00 — 4:00 ~

A perfect opportunity to prepare your blades for the season.

>> Free Advice & Guidance on hand <<

>> Tea & Coffee Provided <<

Teaching at Strawberry hill
Mowing Lush British Meadow in at Wimpole
The Scythe Stand

2024 Scything Courses

Beginner’s Courses

Saturday 4th May 10.00-4.00 pm
Saturday 11th May 10.00-4.00 pm
Saturday 18th May 10.00-4:00 pm
Saturday 25th May 10:00-4:00 pm

Improvers Course

Scythe Improver’s Masterclass at the Green Scythe Fair
Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June 2024

Testimonial

"Just to let you know that you promised a great day, but you delivered much more than that!!!! Adrian and I have been looking forward to the day since booking it, and both our expectations were surpassed. You said that we would get hooked on scything, and we are, for sure!Personally I can not see how you could better the day, both your teaching and instruction was thorough and concise. With practical experience on a range of different conditions of "mowing". I came away from the course full with the confidence to go out immediately to get started."
Barry

Beginner's Scything Course

Saturdays 8th May, 11th May, 18th May & 26th May 2024

This is a One-day course and runs from 10.00 am-4.00 pm inclusive of tea/coffee and a light lunch. We will cover these basics: –

  • Introduction to the scythe
  • Setting up a scythe for your own body size
  • Care and maintenance of the scythe, (keeping the blade sharp, peening the edge)
  • The practice of mowing and different styles for different conditions

I favour a 65cm Ditch blade for beginners. The Ditch blade is an all round blade for clearing weeds or cutting grass. Its design makes it robust enough to mow on slightly uneven ground and cope with thick brambles and weeds. It has a strong, blunt tip that is less likely to get damaged by hidden obstacles or to dig into the ground. A 65cm blade is small enough to manoeuver around the garden and will also tackle larger areas.

Scythe Improver’s Masterclass at the Green Scythe Fair

Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June 2024

A two day course for:

  • mowers with some experience who want to develop their skills
  • team leaders managing volunteers or staff
  • people who want to teach scythe use to others.
Over two days, you will get personal attention from three of the most experienced teachers in the UK,
namely:
 
  • Kevin Austin, scythe teacher from Cornwall, former UK champion mower.
  • Phil Batten, master peener and scythe competition winner from Scythe Cymru;
  • Andi Rickard, of the Somerset Scythe School, current UK champion mower.
The course covers:
 
  • improving the set up of the scythe
  • improving mowing stance and style
  • sharpening, peening and repairing blades
  • teaching
  • organizing volunteers and novices

Learn to get your blade sharper and to scythe expertly!

The course fee includes lunch on both days and entry to the fair on Sunday. Camping on site is available at extra cost.

The cost is £175 for individuals. Concession (unwaged) £100. Organisations £200 per person.

Places must be booked in advance. For general enquires, camping enquiries or any booking issues please

email scythemasterclass@gmail.com

To Purchase Equipment

If you would like to purchase scything equipment from us, and for details of the equipment we have available, please click the buttons at the foot of this page.

During the day you will have plenty of hands-on mowing practice. I will observe, help and advise where needed so you can gain the confidence to use your own scything kit, or you can take home the scythe you have set up for yourself and worked with during the day.

You will need to bring: wet weather gear, suitable footwear, a drink, suncream / sunhat, notebook and enthusiasm!

Max 6 students, so booking is essential.

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Cost of the course £70 per person
(Which includes tea/coffee and a light lunch).

Alternatively, if you prefer, we can come to your land to deliver the course for a group of students (6 max)
The cost is £300.

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Please Email me from the ‘Contact Us’ page to arrange payment.

You can pay by bank transfer, cheque or cash. (Please note: I do not have the facility to take card payments)

Arranging Payment & Equipment Purchase

Equipment Available
To Purchase Equipment

Beginner's Scything Course