CPRE Hampshire's Magnificent Meadows - Scything & Haymaking
Andover Trees United is excited to be part of CPRE Hampshire’s Magnificent Meadows Project 2026!
Although the main event - 6 days of scything and traditional haymaking training - is not until mid July, the Andover-based part of the project started in earnest with a day’s scything refresher training with expert Chris Riley on Thursday 28th May. This was followed by a taster session in haymaking with Chris and Rachel Remnant, Magnificent Meadows lead trainer, who between them demonstrated how to spread out the newly cut grass thinly on day 1 (Chris), then raking, turning and testing for dryness before bagging on days 2 and 3 (Rachel).
The spell of hot weather was perfect for drying the grass and by Saturday, 4 cubic metre bags of sweet, flower-rich meadow hay was ready for testing. This first batch of hay from the Diamond Wood was destined for local smallholders - two raising sheep, one horses and one a mixed herd of alpaca and goats. These are our ‘test-munchers’! Their owners will let us know how well the hay was received! If they like it, we are on track to produce some decent bales in six weeks time.
Between now and then we have to build a hand-operated box-baler and on July 9th, there will be the chance to join a wellbeing walk as part of our introduction to the wood and its meadows.
To express an interest in joining in, taking part, helping out or just coming to watch, please contact abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk - and keep an eye on the Events page and social media (you can follow us on Facebook and on Instagram).
