The Revolution has begun!

Thursday, September 14th 2023

Well, the scything revolution at Foxglove Covert has begun, to be precise!

At the weekend we were delighted to host Steve Tomlin, sythe tutor, who led a 'Learn to Scythe' course for people keen to learn this skill. Six participants went through the process of setting up, learning about mowing and then they headed out to start cutting a strip of our wildflower meadow.

Steve also brought along four scythe kits, which we've purchased to improve the management of our grassland (though scythes are also excellent for controlling bracken and bramble - as well as helping to manage reedbeds too). On Tuesday, these new scythes were put to good use by Sue, Becky, Freddie, John, Peter and Emma, who showed that they all had the knack very quickly. Not only are scythes better for the environment in terms of reducing the use petrol, upon which strimmers and brush-cutters are dependent, but they also reduce annoying noise, fumes and make a lovely, clean cut through vegetation rather than chewing at stems with a nylon cord.

Watch this space as there will be more to come on our new use of a 3000 year old technology.

Thanks to all for being part of our new scything team!

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