As a registered SABI* trainer in the use of Austrian Scythes a number of courses are offered throughout the year.
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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
Community groups, charities and local interest groups can book scythe training days at discounted rates.
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Wondering if a scythe is a better option than a strimmer for managing your land? Check here for a comparison of the two.
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I can also offer one to one courses for individuals.
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You might like to join the North East Cereal Killers
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* SABI Scything Association of Britain & Ireland
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Go to my risk assessment and insurance documents page.
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Buy an eGift card for a scythe course
2025 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 for over ten years.
John is a registered instructor with the
Scything Association of Britain and Ireland. (SABI)
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.
Learn to mow with an Austrian scythe
A full day course learning this traditional skill.
Details of course content above.
Saturday 26th July
Oaklands Garden Centre
A694
Swalwell
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE21 6RB
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Cost:
£65 Full day learn-to-scythe training
£20 Scythe hire (or you can bring your own scythe for free)
9.00am to 4.00pm.
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Learn to scythe workshop
Join us at Low way farm, Holwick, Middleton in Teesdale on Monday 21 July 2025, for an enjoyable day learning the traditional skill of scything.
Cost:
£65 Full day learn-to-scythe training
£20 Scythe hire (or you can bring your own scythe for free)
Scythe training is suitable for people over 18. Unfortunately due to the nature of the training it is not dog friendly.
For extra information please contact William at: william@northpennines.org.uk
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More information from
Upcoming Events – North Pennines National Landscape
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Scroll to bottom of page and click on book Now button.


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.
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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