July 16, 2013

    Hay under the Hedge

    Cae Mari Jones set up ready for a Scythe CourseThis morning Phil was doing more mowing in preparation for the Introductory Scythe Course we are running tomorrow. The field is now ready for the course participants to mow together during

    July 15, 2013

    The Rhythm of the Hay Making Day

    Opening up Cae Mari Jones ready for further mowingIt has been an amazing period of settled hay weather and it looks set to continue for a while yet. The days have developed a definite rhythm. Phil mows early in the

    July 14, 2013

    The Tools of the Hand Hay Making Trade

    It has been another gloriously hot day. Philip mowed for about 3 hours early this morning. After breakfast we spread all the hay on the field, then hosted a very enjoyable visit from the Dyfed Smallholders Association. This evening we

    July 13, 2013

    Stacking the Hay

    After 9 dumpy sack loads (we stuff them well!), the “Stackpole” hay is safely stacked in the barn. As the hay is removed from the field, the quality of the scythe cut beneath is revealed. Despite being complete beginners, the

    July 13, 2013

    Rowing up

    Some of the “Stackpole” hay in it’s rows early this morning (July 13th)A very busy day for us yesterday, though not all with hay making. Phil squeezed in some mowing early on before going out to work in a neighbours

    July 11, 2013

    Hauling Hay

    Broad leaved plants in the hayPhil mowed for an hour early this morning. I then spent almost two hours spreading all the hay that has been cut so far. We have just (4.30pm) bought in the hay that was cut

    July 11, 2013

    Mowing with Stackpole wardens and more haymaking!

    Rowing up in the evening. The greener rows cut by the Stackpole team can be seen towards the back.Yesterday 7 volunteers and wardens from the Stackpole Estate, a National Trust property in Pembrokeshire, came on a course to learn how

    July 9, 2013

    Progressive Hand Hay Making

    Grass mown this morning, spread out to dryIt has been another good hay making day. This morning Phil mowed two long windrows up the edge of the hay field, opening up a patch ready to be mown on a course

    July 8, 2013

    The Hay Making Season Begins!

    The first few windrows in the early morning sun.With the sun out and shining, and promising to stay so for the rest of the week, the 2013 hay making season at the Trust has got underway. Awkwardly, we already had