Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve
Durham Wildlife Trust, Mallard Way, Houghton le Spring DH4 6PU
UK
A full day learning to set up, maintain and mow with an Austrian scythe.
Scything has gained massive momentum in recent years as people turn away from petrol and electric powered machinery.
Set among the wild flower meadows at Durham Wildlife Trust’s Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve. You’ll be surrounded by bird song, butterflies and bees.
Training starts with a full look at the anatomy of a scythe and how to set it up so you are in a comfortable position for mowing. Austrian scythes are very versatile and can be adapted to suit the user perfectly.
Once set up we will be straight into learning how to mow. During the mowing we stop to learn honing with a whett stone, before getting in more practice with the scythes.
Lastly you will be shown how to maintain the scythe and especially peening the blade using a peening jig and small anvils.
During the afternoon there will be a chance to have some fun with an informal competition. But essentially you are set loose to practice as much mowing as you need.
