When: Friday 29th August, 10:00 – 16:00
Where: The Cabin at Harmony Woods, Andover
Join us for a one-day Scything Course and learn the traditional art of scything with expert scyther Chris Riley. Whether you’re new to scything or looking to sharpen your skills, this hands-on course will give you the knowledge and confidence to manage meadows, rides, and wildflower areas using this ancient and eco-friendly tool.
What to Expect:
✅ Learn proper scything techniques from an experienced tutor
✅ Tools provided – no need to bring your own
✅ Refreshments and snacks included (please bring your own lunch)
✅ A chance to practice in beautiful Harmony Woods
Cost:
£50 per person
£10 for those who join our “Scything in Harmony Group” and commit to helping manage the rides and meadows in future years. Please email abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk to discuss this.
Details:
Limited to 8 spaces to ensure plenty of individual guidance
Runs from 10:00 – 16:00 with breaks
Read all about last year’s course here.
Booking:
📩 Email abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk or book directly via Eventbrite.
About Your Tutor
I regard the West Country as my homeland, though I was brought up in Lancashire. However I retain a passion for northern and upland environments, and wilderness walks.
After gaining some experience in forestry and farming, my career in nature conservation began at Slapton Ley in South Devon. Based at the nearby FSC Field Centre, I was manager of the National Nature Reserve. The coastal lagoon and surrounding wetland habitats is a ‘Mecca’ for birders, and Slapton Sands is a popular beach. Working in partnership with a number of organisations, I devised as well as implemented the management plan.
After fourteen years in Devon I went to work for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as Reserves Officer. In my care was a varied portfolio of woodland, grassland and wetland sites. Hundreds of volunteers were engaged as well as contractors. As my eleven years with the Trust progressed I became more involved with the flagship site of Langford Lakes. In particular, a major habitat creation project involved design of a new wetland and taking the scheme through the planning process.
Working with hand tools, often with volunteers, an interest developed in continental scythes. I am now an experienced scythesman and scythe trainer, and have explored a variety of applications of scythes. This has included being a scything ‘extra’ in period films. I am committed to the promotion of the scythe as a pinnacle of low tech, low carbon alternatives, and a metaphor for sustainability. I am an active member of the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland.
Learn more at Chris Riley of Pratensis Countryside Services.