For centuries, farms and meadows were managed by the humble scythe. But the rise of the mower and strimmer made the tool all but obsolete. Now the scythe is making something of a comeback, its environemental (and even social) benefits are rediscovered

The scythe is one of the great symbols of agriculture.

It’s distinct and impressive curved blade requires great skill and energy to wield, and is a very visual reminder of the sheer hard graft of being a farmhand.

And, of course, to the untrained, it’s a bit terrifying, hence it being the weapon of choice for the Grim Reaper.

Although largely replaced by modern machinery, the traditional art of scything is making something of a comeback.

The versatile tool has environmental benefits, especially for the gentle management of meadows and grassland. It is also good exercise, and can be far more social than using a noisy strimmer.

Organised by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) and the Forest of Bowland Area of Natural Beauty, a scything course was organised recently as part of the Hay Time meadow restoration partnership.

Held at Keasden Head Farm near Clapham, set between the Dales and the Forest of Bowland, the weekend taught participants the traditional skills involved in the art of scything.

Under the expert tuition of Steve Tomlin, the ten participants learnt how to set up and use a scythe, as well as how to maintain it. This included tips on sharpening the blade, peening the edge, and general long-term care of the scythe.

After completing some warm-up exercises, the group were ready to take their first cautious swings of the blade using a tai-chi movement that participants had mastered by the end of the weekend.

“People all over the UK are discovering the scythe as a practical and efficient way of managing their land” says Steve. “These training courses are always lots of fun and it’s great to be here in the Dales passing on skills to a group including local farmers and orchard owners, as well as volunteers working on a community meadow.”

Steve first learned to use a scythe in the Pyrennees in 2001 and has been involved in the UK mowing scene since the first Scythe Festival in 2005, organising some of the events, teaching and running workshops.

He is a founder member and Training Co-ordinator for the Scythe Association (Britain & Ireland) and travels regularly to Europe to work with scythe experts in Austria and elsewhere.

Ruth Pullan, who took part in the course, said: “The course was really enjoyable and useful. Thanks to Steve’s tips on how to improve my technique and how to be energy efficient while mowing, I now feel confident that I could quickly mow my orchard using the scythe. It’s such a quiet and peaceful way to manage the land, much better than using a strimmer.”

Don Gamble, Hay Time Project Manager, said: “Interest in scything is really taking off, and it was great to see everyone having a good time mastering the scythe.

“I’d like to thank Steve for providing the training and Sheila Mason for hosting the course on her farm.”

Course participants will also be invited to help manage meadows and other grassland areas in the Dales and Forest of Bowland that are in danger of becoming over-grown and rank because they are no longer being cut.

To find out more about the Hay Time project, contact YDMT on 015242 51002, or the Forest of Bowland AONB on 01200 48000.

For more information about scything, go to www.scytherspace.wordpress.com