Austrian Scythe Beginner’s Course

Learn how to scythe in a day, with Mary Ellis, including safety, set up, blade sharpening, mowing in different conditions, and blade care.

Tutor: Mary Ellis southeastscything@gmail.com

Location: Estate Yard, Wadhurst Park, TN5 6NT

Parking: In the car park.

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please bring a packed lunch, and a water bottle, especially if it’s a hot day.

Comfort: There is a toilet in the teaching block. We will be under cover for the theory teaching elements of the course. Please wear footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather.

Course Timings and Content: The course starts promptly at 10.00am, so please arrive by 9.45am. We will finish at 4.30pm. The course covers:

* safety for yourself and others * setting up the scythe to fit you

* stance and mowing technique * honing and blade care

* organising your mow

There will be plenty of opportunity to mow and hone and gain feedback. I will also give a demonstration of peening (reprofiling the blade).

Equipment: I supply all the necessary equipment for the day, including cut-resistant gloves for use when handling the blade. If you're prone to blisters I suggest you bring a pair of light gloves to wear when you are mowing.

If you already have a scythe you're welcome to bring it. Depending on its design and condition, I may recommend you use one of my scythes. I teach on Austrian (European) scythes, and I can help with, but I'm not an expert on, English scythes.

Cancellation: Unless the weather is dangerously stormy or exceedingly hot, it will not stop the course.

I reserve the right to exclude you from the course without refund if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or have a health condition that may affect your ability to join in the course activities that you haven’t mentioned before the course, display current symptoms that I judge might endanger you or others, or are using your mobile phone when I am teaching.

For sale: Available to purchase on the day: blade guard at £3 per blade.

Photography: I may take photos or videos during the day but will ask your permission at the start, so that you can be excluded if you prefer.

Safety: I am a trained First Aider and have Public Liability Insurance cover to £5,000,000. If you listen and follow my suggestions, we will not need either of these.

I look forward to introducing you to the joys of scything!