Practical Scything
Join us for a hands-on workshop on the art of scything at the beautiful Wadhurst Park Estate Office. Learn the traditional technique of cutting grass with a scythe, perfect for maintaining your wildflower grasslands. Chris Riley will guide you through the process, from selecting the right scythe to proper cutting technique. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this event is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable land management. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn a valuable skill.
The course is based around lightweight Austrian scythes. Instruction is provided on the three interacting factors that make for successful mowing:
- how to set up the grips correctly for the user’s proportions
- how to keep the edge sharp
- how to mow with a movement that is efficient for the body and effective in cutting the vegetation
Other areas that will be covered include:
- history of the scythe
- comparison of English and continental scythes
- description & parts of a scythe
- principles of movement
- how to effectively hone the edge with a whetstone
- adjustment of blade angles, according to mowing circumstances
- different blades for different purposes
- demonstration of peening
- maintenance and repair of blades
