9.30am to 4.30pm


Simon demonstrating scything

The course

Learn a brief history of the scythe, how to select the right blade and snath for the job and set them up, peening, sharpening, the mowing technique, hot to avoid damaging the blade and how to care for the scythe. There will be hands-on sessions with the chance to use the scythe in a couple of different environments.

The tutors

Simon Fairlie is an experienced scythesman who has been teaching the subject for several years. He is passionate about the re-introduction of the art of scything in the British Isles and has an extensive knowledge of the subject. He imports scythes from Austria.
http://www.thescytheshop.co.uk

Mark Allery is a full time pole lathe turner and greenwood worker, and regularly demonstrates at the Museum.  A member of the Association of Pole Lathe Turners and of the Sussex and Surrey Coppice Group Mark became involved in greenwood working through conservation work, particularly the Lynchmere commons near Haslemere where he lives and where he is now the site manager for the mixed woodland and heathland site. In addition to pole lathe turning Mark also makes besom brooms, hay rakes, a range of coppice products and burns charcoal.

Participants information

Participants are asked to wear suitable outdoor clothing. Please also bring gloves and sturdy footwear (steel toecap boots are recommended.)

Fee

£60 per person, to include tuition, teas and coffees. The Museum café will be open or you can bring a packed lunch.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation validated by Bournemouth University. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.