Introductory Scythe Course

£40.00£80.00

The aim of this course is to teach you what you need to know to get you mowing.

It is an ideal beginning before you buy your first scythe or to improve your technique if your already have one.

Scroll down for more information about the course.

Courses run 10am-4pm on the following dates:

Wednesday 29th May 2024 – FULLY BOOKED

Saturday 29th June 2024

Sunday 14th July 2024

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Youth Rate for 18 – 25 year olds. To help younger people with more limited resources take up the scythe, we offer one place per course at a special rate of £40

Description

The scythe course is very hands-on and we aim to give you plenty of chance to practice.

Scythe Set Up and out Mowing!

At the start of the day we go through scythe set up. Everyone sets up a scythe, with a blade suited to the type of mowing you plan to do at home.

After a run through of basic mowing and sharpening techniques it’s time to get out to the field to have a go at mowing in earnest!.

Peening

After lunch there’s time for a bit more mowing. Then we cover the all important job of keeping your blade sharp and cutting well, including the art of peening.

All scythe equipment is provided.

At the end of the day, participants can choose to buy the scythe they have been using, including a blade that has been peened and is ready to mow. The full Scythe Shop is also available at the end of the course.

FAQs

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Fitting and advice service

Can’t get on a course but want help choosing and setting up a scythe? If you live locally or are passing through our area you can take advantage of our in person Fitting and Advice service.

Other Scythe Instructors

There are scythe courses happening across the UK – see The Scythe Association website for courses near you.

There are scythe courses happening across the UK – see The Scythe Association website for courses near you.

The course is primarily focused on setting up and using the scythe.

The course is held on a permaculture smallholding where the scythe is integral to the management.

Whilst there is no formal content on aspects of land management with a scythe, there is time for questions and discussion, especially over lunch.

 

Directions and details of what you need to bring will be emailed to you after booking.

Please wear sensible clothes that you can move freely in and stout shoes.

Please also bring:
  • a pair of well fitting work gloves
  • waterproofs – the courses will run pretty much what ever the weather!
  • a sun hat and sun screen as required – just in case the sun shines…
  • a belt to hang your scythe stone holder from when you are in the field. (A string / rope around your
    waist works too!)
  • a covid-safe face covering (if desired)
  • a packed lunch and any snacks / drinks you may need.
Scythes, hot drinks and biscuits are provided.

We sell scythes and related equipment, which will be available for purchase at the end of each course

You can find our location on this page.

There are various local accommodation options, here are a few.

Camping at Dyfed Permaculture Farm Trust.

Cilwendeg House in Waungilwen. Bed and Breakfast or self catering (2 miles away)

Bwthyn Gwyrdd self catering cabin (less then 1 mile on foot, 2 miles by car)

The Ceridwen Centre in Drefelin. Bed and Breakfast or self catering (2 miles away)

Melin Pandy Bed and Breakfast in Newcastle Emlyn (5 miles away)

Bookings

Course places are reserved once full payment has been received.

In the unlikely event that the minimum number of participants has not been met within 2 weeks of the start date, courses may be canceled or rescheduled.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your place, please contact us as soon as possible.

For cancellations more than 4 weeks before the course date we offer a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to another course date, minus £10 to cover our administration costs.

For cancellations within 4 weeks of the course date no refund or transfer is offered, unless we are able to fill the place or if special circumstances apply. We reserve the right to decide whether the latter applies.

Start times

Times listed are the actual time the course begins. Please arrive 15-30 min before the stated time to allow time to settle in.

Ages

All courses are suitable for participants aged 16+.

“What a fabulous day we had on Saturday – thank you both so very much! It’ll go down in my book as one of those magical days that sticks in the memory – gentle, excellent teaching style, great company, lovely location and setting, exhilarating and just so fun and enjoyable – brilliant.”

Philip, 26th May workshop 2018

Thanks again for a well taught and comprehensive introduction to scything. I thought it was well structured and delivered convenient bite size information whilst having space for all the added questions.”

Sonya, W-S-M, 2017 course graduate