Join us for a day of scything at Blinkbonnie meadow on either Friday 29th August or Saturday 30th August 10am – 4pm (these are one day workshops, please book for one date only on the correct eventbrite page!). Scything is an important traditional skill and a wildlife friendly meadow management technique.

We are delighted to have registered scything instructor John Grundy with us for the two days. He will cover the following points:

• Anatomy of the scythe

• Setting up the scythe

• Mowing techniques

• Blade honing with a whet stone

• Meadow management

•Peening the blade using a jig

• Maintenance of the scythe and blade through the year

What to bring?

Full equipment for the day’s training will be provided, but please wear suitable clothing, a hat and sturdy footwear, and bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, as well as insect repellent and sun protection. If you have your own scythe and wish to put it to use, then please do bring this along!

Where to meet?

There is no parking at the meadow itself, rather you are best parking along Mill Road (what3words; park///absent.marked.sideburns) before taking a short walk to the meadow entrance (what3words; ///spans.tonal.vented).

The event is subsidised by the Borders Forest Trust, however to help support the ongoing conservation work of this important meadow habitat there is a suggested donation of £20.

If you are interested in supporting BFT you can do this via membership through our website www.bordersforesttrust.org

Scything Workshop