Unconventional Scything

Perhaps surprisingly, scythes can be used throughout the year to cut a variety of plants, not just wildflower meadows in Summer!

This week Carl and El took advantage of a rare sunny afternoon to remove encroaching saplings along the scrapes. Young saplings and tangles of brambles have been growing steadily along the edges of the scrapes, and some removal was necessary to stop them taking over. After volunteer Peter removed some of the older growth with a bow saw, in came the scythes!

Although not a usual technique for scything, upwards slicing motions with the scythe can cut through thin samplings and brambles easily. Removing this scrub will ensure the water in the scrapes stay open and aren't taken over by vegetation.