An Introduction to the Austrian Scythe

Event details

To ensure a safe and enjoyable course, please read the following details carefully and reply to me via email to say you have read and accepted these conditions. 

If you have any questions or queries please get in touch via email: rachel@landloreconsulting.com or phone: 07745 977403

An Introduction to the Austrian Scythe

Monday 16th June, Winchester Cathedral

9:45am for 10am – 4:30pm

This course is suitable for those wanting to refresh their skills and those learning from scratch. There will be lots of time to learn the science and practice the art of scything.

Winchester Cathedral has a variety of grassland areas, which makes it an interesting place to adapt your mowing style and develop technique.

Start and finish times

Please arrive in plenty of time so you have time to park, use the loo, make a cuppa and be ready to start at 10am prompt.

If you are held up please call my mobile on 07745 977403.

The course will finish at 4:30pm.

Meeting point

I will meet you at the double gates to the paddock, near the Mercure Car park.

Winchester Cathedral paddock entrance

Paternoster Row, Winchester, SO23 9LQ

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eXHABiNmBBF1YJvXA

Parking

Please check your route ahead of the day so you arrive on time. Parking is available in the city car parks. Chesil Multi storey or the park and Ride work well.  https://www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/parking-and-car-parks/

Health and safety

I will be the first aider on the day.

It is essential that you tell me about your medical condition(s), including allergies.

To ensure the safety of yourself and others, it is important that you tell me if you have any issues which may affect your movement and ability to scythe. This could include muscular-skeletal problems such as a bad back, or old injury. By discussing this prior to the course we will be able to assess adaptations that can be made. If you do not disclose details ahead of the course I reserve the right to refuse participation on the course. This is to ensure the safety of all the course participants.

A safety briefing will be provided at the start of the day.

If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol I reserve the right to ask you to leave the course.

Anyone behaving in a way that compromises the safety or welfare of themselves or others will be asked to leave the course.

Equipment

The course will be taught using Austrian scythes.

Participants will be provided with a snath suitable for their height. Should several participants require the same size beyond the stock available, it will be recommended that participants purchase their own snath ahead of the course.

If you are bringing your own scythe please ensure the blade is clean. It’s important that the 1cm cutting edge is free of rust and dirt. This process can take an hour or more. To get the most from the course, please send me a photo of your blade and I will recommend a suitable way to clean it ahead of time.

Breakages that occur from inappropriate use must be paid for.

Usually students buy themselves a pair of cut resistant gloves from my stock and pay via bank transfer on the day.

What to expect

This is a friendly and intensive course. Come prepared and ready to learn.

The course will be taught outdoors. There is a small amount of seated space undercover for breaks and classroom aspects. Bring layers of clothing so you can keep warm and supple.

Course content:

1. Safe use
2. Scythe parts and how to set up for different cutting situations
3. Movement and technique
4. Sharpening
5. Cutting different types of grassland
6. Mowing, including as part of a team
7. Peening using a jig

Please bring:

1. Snacks and packed lunch. (Tea and coffee will be provided including herbal teas).
2. A belt, to hold your whetstone sheath.
3. Sunblock and a sunhat.
4. Waterproofs
5. Wear closed toe shoes, long trousers and pack a lightweight shirt or jumper for covering your arms for when we rake up.
6. Ear defenders for the peening (if you have them)

If you are bringing your own scythe equipment remember to pack:

1. Scythe, blade guard, whetstone, sheath, allen key, spanner, etc.
2. Please carry your blade unclamped and safely wrapped to protect others around you.
3. Peening pony, peening jig, anvil, hammer, Garryflex etc.

Scythe suppliers

If you would like to purchase your own scythe, the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland SABI lists scythe suppliers here: http://scytheassociation.org/equipment/  You can buy a full set of kit for £175, including the tools to keep it sharp. Let me know if you want any help making your selection.

Study before the course

Some people like to prepare before the course, please note that there is no obligation to do this! But if that’s your learning style, this is a good introduction to the scythe parts, set up and mowing: https://www.scythecymru.co.uk/scything-guide/scythe-quick-set-up-guide/

Jan’s movement drills, to get the feel for scything are in these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtAuFa2T9B5izk-NuknLW79uKGLmmFPah

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries or questions.