Scything

Scything

Learn how to use and maintain a scythe: a traditional tool used to cut grass and vegetation.

By Fruit Works

Date and time

Thu, 5 Jun 2025 18:00 - 20:00 GMT+1

Location

Shipley Fields Community Orchard

Otley Road Shipley BD18 2PS United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 2 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 2 hours

Scything

This scything course teaches you the fundamentals of using a scythe, a traditional hand tool for cutting grass, weeds, and small vegetation.

In this course, you'll learn the key techniques for efficient and effective mowing, as well as some maintenance tips.

The course covers proper posture, movement, and rhythm, ensuring you can work safely and with minimal effort. Whether you're looking for a sustainable gardening method or a useful skill for outdoor tasks, this course will equip you with everything you need to confidently use a scythe.

What to bring

If you have a scythe or can borrow one from a friend, bring it along!

Remember to wear clothes and footwear appropriate for the weather and mud!

What we'll provide

Tea and coffee.

Location

Shipley Fields

BD18 2AT

To find the exact location, please use What3words: ///valve.cars.prime

Directions

Shipley Fields Community Orchard is located on the field behind Otley Road, opposite Shipley C of E Primary school, and adjacent to the Red Beck Allotments. It can also be accessed from the south end of the field via Norwood Avenue. The orchard is a 12 minute walk from Shipley train station.

Contact number

If have trouble finding the site on the day, please call 07942 266888.

Tiered payment structure:

Bursary - Donation (pay what you can afford)

Reduced price ticket - £20

Full price ticket - £35

Please refer to this helpful explanation of sliding scales if you're not sure which ticket you should buy.

Accessibility

There are toilets in the allotments next to Shipley Fields.

There are two benches in the orchard. Please contact pruning@fruitworks.org.uk for any questions about accessibility.

More courses

Set Up Your Own Community Orchard - 12 May - Woodhouse Community Centre

Summer Pruning - 9 Jul - Western Flatts Cliff Park

Understanding Pests & Diseases - 22 Jul - Headingley Community Orchard

Summer Pruning: Trained Fruit - 18 Aug - Lidget Green Memorial Garden

What to do With All These Apples? - 3 Sep - LILAC Co-Housing

The Basics of Apple Identification - 17 Sep - Woodville Community Ltd.

Organised by

Fruit Works is a social enterprise helping communities in Leeds and Bradford to plant and maintain fruit trees. Our mission is to empower people to grow their own fruit and build resilient local food systems.

£20 – £35