July 3, 2015

    Watching the Weather

    Internet weather forecasts make weather watching while hay making a different game from the past, with multiple updates during the day and hourly predictions. You can still get caught out though. When Phil started mowing last Friday (26th June) a

    June 28, 2015

    “Poldarking” in Cambridgeshire

    “Dozens of people will be whipping out their scythes and ripping off their shirts for a spot of “Poldarking” in Cambridgeshire this weekend.” says this BBC article They are referring to the Eastern Counties Scythe Festivalat Wimpole, that happened this

    June 25, 2015

    A Swarm in June is Worth a Silver Spoon

    While Phil was at the Scythe Festival, a swarm moved into the bait hive we have on top of the red barn. So on his return he took the bees down to his out apiary in the village then put

    June 22, 2015

    Mowing a Labyrinth

    For the past couple of years I have mowed a labyrinth into the wild flower meadow in the Top Field as part of the Summer Solstice celebration we hold here at the Trust. The children really enjoy it, and were

    June 20, 2015

    Learn to Scythe

    At last, there is a clear and concise guide to help you learn to scythe! There has long been a need for a guide that is in harmony with the way the scythe is being used in the UK. Steve

    June 16, 2015

    Back Home and Back Mowing

    Phil got back from the West Country Scythe Festival last night. He was back out mowing for hay first thing this morning. Essential parts of an early morning mowing kit! Coffee sweetened with honey from our own bees As usual,

    June 10, 2015

    Frosty Hay Making

    What unusual hay making weather it has been. The wind has blown from all four quadrants and has now settled in the North. We have had at least two June grass frosts this week, including one last night (emergency fleece

    June 8, 2015

    Quarter of an acre in

    We started bringing in hay on Saturday, and bought in more Sunday. With tonight’s hauling, we have quarter of an acre of herb rich hay safe in the barn. Hay spread in the sun. The most recently mown at the