Scything Courses
2026 Dates
Ditch the strimmer, come along and enjoy learning this traditional skill in some wonderful settings across the North East region.
Experienced scythe instructor John Grundy has been teaching across the region and nationally since 2012..
John has attended a masterclass at the Green Scythe Fair. This course sets a high standard in proficiency and has long been regarded as the goal for those wishing to become future instructors.
The scythe is fast becoming a popular tool of choice for many gardeners, conservation charities and community garden groups.
Wondering if a scythe is a better option than a strimmer for managing your land? Check here for a comparison of the two.
I have been hosting courses in the use of Austrian Scythes since 2012 nationally.
A days training includes
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Anatomy of the scythe
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Setting up the scythe
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Mowing techniques
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Blade honing with a whet stone
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Meadow management
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Peening the blade using a jig
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Maintenance of the scythe and blade through the year
Learn to mow with an Austrian scythe
A full day course learning this traditional skill.
Starting at 9am until 4pm.
Venue
Oaklands Garden Centre
A694
Swalwell
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE21 6RB
Beginners course Saturday 23rd
Improvers course 20th June
Beginners course 4th July
Beginners course 8th August
Improvers course 29th August
Beginners Course 5th September
Beginners Course 25th September
Cost:
£65 Full day learn-to-scythe training
£20 Scythe hire (or you can bring your own scythe for free)


Gardening Talks
I am available to travel to your venue and present a range of talks based around
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Creating and managing a wildlife pond
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Creating and managing a wild flower garden.
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Formal lawns v's wild flower lawns or meadows.
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Replacing exotic species of flowering plant with natives.
Wildlife Survey Training
I am available to travel to your own venue to give a range of training based around:
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Identification
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Survey techniques
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Habitat management.
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Reptile and amphibian ecology
