Scything improvers workshop

Improve your scything and sharpening skills

This is an outdoor workshop. The theory sessions will be taught in the shade of apple trees, or under a gazebo if the weather is poor.

What will the Improvers Scything workshop cover?

At least half the workshop will be dedicated to sharpening and caring for your blade. You will refresh your honing skills (sharpening with stones). Peening (cold forge to profile the blade), both jig and freehand, will be demonstrated and you will be able to practice with guidance from the tutor. We will also cover how to deal with nicks and dents in your blade.

The workshop will also cover improving your scything techniques and strategies, including tackling different vegetation types. There will be plenty of hands on practice.

Who is the Scything workshop for?

The workshop will be of interest to anyone with vegetation to cut, including gardeners, allotment holders and horticulturists. No prior knowledge of scything is needed. This course is open to anyone aged 16 or over.

Scything is a little less strenuous than one might expect, but please be aware that much of the work does involve twisting and moving of the back.

Learning methods and outcomes

Most of the workshop is dedicated to hands on practice with guidance and demonstrations by the tutor. Sharpening practice and short theory sessions will either be under the shade of an apple tree or the protection of gazebos.