Scything course
A ONE DAY HANDS-ON COURSE
These details are for courses that have already run
Provisional dates for next course: Summer 2009
9.30am-5pm
Learn how to cut the grass and weeds without the need of a noisy fossil fuel burning lawnmower or strimmer. The course will cover everything you need to know on how to use and maintain a scythe, leaving you with the skills and knowledge needed to mow anything from a small lawn to a meadow and even scrub land.
Venue
Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex), Brighton. Click here for directions to our meeting point at Stanmer Park.
What will the course cover?
The course will look into the history and theory of Scything and how it can be applied to a variety of settings such as lawns, fields, meadows, allotments, scrub, etc. Selecting and setting up the scythe and snath (handle) will be covered (you have the option of ordering your own scythe to be available on the course day, see below for details). Maintaining and especially sharpening the blade will be a very important part of the course, and you will learn the art of 'peening' (hammering the blade on an anvil).
The majority of the course will be focused on providing the participants with the practical skills through hands-on experience of mowing with the scythe in a variety of settings. The number of course participants is limited to around ten, so you will benefit from a lot of individual guidance from the tutor.
Course tutor
Tuition will be provided by Simon Fairlie, a very experienced scythesman who has been teaching the subject for many years. He is passionate about the reintroduction of the art of scything in the British Isles, has an extensive knowledge of the subject and imports scythes from the continent, see www.thescytheshop.co.uk
Stephan Gehrels, from Brighton Permaculture Trust, will be assisting Simon. Stephan runs school environmental projects in Brighton and has experience of managing orchards.
Who is the course for?
The course will be of interest to gardeners, allotment holders and horticulturalists as well as the less experienced. No prior knowledge of scything is needed. The course is open to anyone over the age of 16.
The techniques taught are not too strenuous but please be aware that much of the work does involve twisting and moving of the back. You must be willing to spend most of the duration of the course out of doors. Most of the theoretical parts of the course will be held under cover.
What you will need to bring
• Essential requirement: Sturdy outdoor footwear
• We recommended wearing trousers as you will be working near stinging nettles, thistles, etc
• Your own scythe, if you have one. You also have the option of buying your own for the day of the course. See bellow for details. Scythes will be available to borrow on the day.
• Lunch and a drink for on the go
• Weatherproof outdoor clothing
• Sun hat & sun screen
• Pens and a notebook
Learning methods and outcomes
Theory sessions using handouts will be followed by practical demonstrations. However, a significant part of the course will be devoted to practical hands-on experience with guidance from the tutor. By the end of the course participants will have the practical skills and techniques necessary to mow lawns, fields, meadows, allotments, scrub, etc. Time permitting, the course will end with a question and answer session.
What does this course lead on to?
This short specialist course is not accredited, but should provide participants with the skills needed to begin using a scythe in a home or professional setting.
Buying a scythe for the course
You can order your own scythe from the tutors shop. This will be brought along for you on the day of the course. You will save yourself the postage costs (around £17 for a complete set) and will gain the tutors expertise in setting it up on the day. This is a limited offer that will be available on a first come, first served basis.
The scythes on offer are the Austrian make Schröckenfux. Made since 1540, these are hand-forged blades that are recognised around the world as being of the highest quality.
For a product list, please visit The Scythe Shop product list.
For a price list visit The Scythe Shop price list
To order a scythe, please use the Scythe Shop order form and indicate next to postage 'for Brighton course'. A complete set, that includes sharpening tools, will cost you £115.
Recommended reading
This book is recommended but it is not necessary for those attending to buy or read it. The Scythe Book by David Tresemer
For those buying a complete scythe (see above), you will be provided with a 24 page A4 information pack called “Notes on the Use of the Austrian Scythe”.
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments and handouts.
£115 - Sponsored/organisation rate
£115 - Individual income more than 25k/yr
£90 - Individual income 18-25k/yr
£65 - Individual waged less than 18k/yr
£40 - Individual, concessionary rate
Concessionary rates are available to people in receipt of means tested benefits, students & OAPs.
We endeavour to make our courses affordable to all. Unfortunately we do not receive any external funding and as such rely on large amounts of voluntary input to run courses. In some circumstances we may be able to negotiate fee reductions if you can offer significant other support or facilities.
See the cancellations, refunds and transfers policy.
Keep me informed
Contact us if you would like us to email you when we announce details of this and other courses or events.
