We held our last scythe course of the year on 30th August. As well as cutting grass we cut a large patch of bracken that grows in the Quiet field. The participants got a lot of satisfaction from cutting the bracken. The stems are stiff and widely spaced and so
Since we had some of our Shetland wool spun into yarn, I have been eager to try out some natural dyeing. I had my chance today when I took part in a Natural Dyeing Workshop that was led by Susan Martin here at the Trust and an enjoyable event it
On Wednesday 9th July we ran another full Introductory Scythe Course. It is always interesting to learn about where our course participants have come from and what they intend to use the scythe for. This time it included controlling bracken and brambles, maintaining a permaculture garden and a plan to
Due to the popularity of our Introductory Scythe Courses this year, we have decided to add an extra date. We will now be running a course on Sunday 10th August in addition to the courses on Wednesday 9th July and Saturday 30th August. For more information and to book see
We have a beautiful flock of Shetland and Hebridean sheep which graze on the land of the Dyfed Permaculture Farm Trust and form an integral part of the land management. We aim to manage our sheep as naturally as possible, using pasture management, vigilance during risk seasons and herbal medicines
This evening the garden has been ringing to the familiar sound of the peening anvil and hammer. Phil has been preparing his 85cm Profisense blade ahead of the coming haying season, and more imminently, the West Country Scythe Festival at which he will be teaching, taking part in the Scythe
We held our first Introductory Scythe Course of the season on Saturday. With such good grass growth this spring, the course was full with a waiting list as well! Here is a nice summery of the day by one of the course participants, Bill Smith of “Growing Ruabon”. Course participants
The Scything Master Class at the West Country Scythe Festival is on the horizon! 12th – 14th June at Muchlney, Somerset This comprehensive master class brings together some of the most experienced users and tutors of the Austrian Scythe from across the. UK and Europe. It is the premier opportunity
Our first Introductory Scythe Course of the season is coming up on Saturday May 24th. While it is perfectly possible to become a good mower without going on a course, I thought I would let you know what we think can be gained by attending a course. Some people are
Yesterday was International Peening Day. For our part, we held a Peening and Sharpening Workshop. The rain came in steady waves all day, so I was very glad that the day was mainly spent in the comfort of the Red Barn, where Phil described and demonstrated the process of [popup
The New Year is here and we have started putting together our 2014 course programme. There are our popular Introductory Scythe Courses and a Peening Workshop as usual, and another Apple Tree Grafting Workshop following on from the sucess of our first one last year. This year we are also
Tink, tink, tink…… Five people joined us today for our Peening and Sharpening Workshop. In the morning, Phil went through the principles of jig and free hand peening, and everyone had a go at both. Old blades were available for practice and confidence building. When using the jig, people enjoyed