Scything for beginners at The Sustainable Garden
With Ross Adams of Abundant Gardens

Saturday 10 August 2024
9.30am-4.30pm
Level: Beginners

(Max 7 people/ Min 3 people) 

We are delighted to be partnering with Ross Adams from Abundant Gardens who will be teaching this one-day course. Ross is an expert in scything and has been running scything courses for several years. 

The scythe is an effective and versatile tool to use in the garden. While known for cutting grass, it will also cut through brambles, rushes, weeds and small scrub. 

Scything is enjoyable and low impact which means that it is open to all age ranges. It is also more sustainable than a strimmer or mower as it does not rely on the use of fossil fuels.

There are four elements to scything; honing, peening, technique and relationship. They are equally important so that scything is as easeful and efficient as it can be and these are covered throughout the day:

• Honing is the sharpening of the blade
• Peening is the shaping of the blade
• Technique is how you scythe
• Relationship is what develops between you and the meadow.

You will also learn :
• To set up the scythe to fit your body
• To scythe efficiently and effectively
• Maintaining and keeping your blade sharp
• Managing and establishing wildflower areas

Ross’ Scythe Course Testimonials

“Ross was a great scythemaster. Very personable, great knowledge, explains and tutors brilliantly.”– Mike

“A really great introduction to the equipment and practice of scything. Ross is very knowledgeable and has a down to earth approach to teaching that makes the day a relaxing and fun experience.”– Kate

“A nicely run course, delivered at the perfect tempo for me. Ross clearly demonstrated and shared his knowledge and experience which provided me with the confidence to keep on scything.”– Alan

“Informative, fun and practical.”– Kelda

“Lovely full day of relaxed instruction for complete beginners, all aspects were covered. Leaving me with the confidence to fully look after my scythe and tackle most scything landscapes.”– Sarah

All equipment including scythes will be provided for use on the day and new scythe kits also available to buy.

Refreshments will be provided included a home-grown salad lunch from our Potager Garden.

For more information, including a video demonstration, and to book go to:
https://abundantgardens.uk/courses/