We were lucky enough to host a ‘Learn to Scythe Workshop’ on the Solway Coast recently.
The scythe is a modern, lightweight and simple tool suitable which allows management of vegetation including grass, weeds, bramble and more in areas where machinery is not possible or unsuitable.
There is no need for protective equipment and the lack of noise enables workers to engage with each other and any visiting public as well as their surrroundings. Trainer Steve Tomlin has a wealth of experience having done scything in the UK and Europe and it was wonderful to have him with us to share his knowledge. SCNL staff and volunteers, along with apprentices from West Cumbria Rivers Trust learnt about how to set up the scythes for our individual needs, how to sharpen and maintain them.
We then headed out onto Crosscanonby Carr to have a go. It was good to see how much mowing could be done in a short time with a lightweight and ergonomic tool. We aren’t experts yet but you’ll definitely see us out practicing and getting more experience.
