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!


(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events


Reserve Access: Open, Field Centre Closure Tues 17th June

Wednesday 4th June 2025 |

Access is currently as normal and the reserve and field centre are open as usual.

 

The Field Centre will be closed on Tuesday 17th June for one day. The reserve is still open.

The Field Centre will resume normal opening hours on Wednesday 18th June.

Apologies for any inconvenience.



Dragonfly Walk

Sunday 20th July 2025 | 1pm-3pm

Spot dragonflies and damselflies on this guided walk led by dragonfly county recorder Keith Gittens. Enjoy a leisurley walk around the reserve’s ponds and pools, and learn all about the Odonata species found at Foxglove Covert.

Donate what you can.

Bookings close Friday 18th July.

Foxglove Covert is now taking bookings via Eventbrite.

Click Here to Book

Or visit foxglovecovertlnr.eventbrite.com



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive