Scything Course

The scythe is an effective and versatile tool to use in the garden. Whilst 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.

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.

• 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.

These four elements will be covered on the course.

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

Courses are run in South Devon, in the South Hams. There are a max of 6 people on each course, to offer a maximum learning experience.

Course Dates 2024

Courses are on a Saturday and run from 9.30 – 4.30

May 11th £90 Foxhole community garden, Dartington
June 22nd £90 Honiton, address given upon booking
July 13th £90 Foxhole community garden, Dartington
August date tbc £90 The sustainable garden, Broadhempston
September 7th £90 Foxhole community garden, Dartington

I offer one concession place per course, for details please get in touch.

Group booking

I can also run a scythe course on your land. If you have a group of friends or are part of a community group then this is a great way of learning and getting your grass cut. They are cost effective and tailored to your site.
Available for up to 6 participants. Cost: £450.

One to one booking

I also offer one to one tuition. This works well as you can choose the date that works for you. It also gives the opportunity to go more in depth on all the elements that make up scything

– A one to one costs £180
– A one to two costs £300

You will need a scythe and peening equipment to participate. If you don’t have one then you can purchase a scythe kit or rent one for the day.

Buying a Scythe Kit

I have put together everything that you need to get you scything. I have selected the best equipment for you from my years of scything and teaching.

As Part of a kit you get:
– 60cm Raiserschnitt blade
– Adjustable wooden snath
– Clamp, allan key, spanner and wedge
– 2 Whetstones coarse and fine grit
– Metal stone sheath for sharpening in the field
– Fux Delux peening jig

A scythe set costs £220.00

If you pay for your scythe kit before the course then you will be able to leave with the scythe you have been using for the day, set up for you and ready to go. However, I appreciate that some people would like to try before they buy. So you can rent a scythe for the day and then purchase a kit at the end of the day.

On courses I will also have for sale:
– Peening pony
– Learn to scythe book by Steve Tomlin
– Garryflex