Courses

‘his arms no longer seemed to swing the scythe, but the scythe itself his whole body, so conscious and full of life; and as if by magic, regularly and definitely without a thought being given to it, the work accomplished itself of its own accord. These were blessed moments.” - Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

You too can experience the joy of mowing with a scythe. No more ear defenders, visor, strimmer fumes or noise; just the sound of the birds and the swish of your blade. Mowing is gentle, non-impact exercise like tai-chi which is suitable for all ages.

Dates for 2012

All courses take place in fabulous meadows on the edge of the Lake District at the idyllic Sprint Mill, Burneside near Kendal. It’s a fantastic area to spend a weekend, with accommodation to suit every budget.

Learn to Mow with an Austrian Scythe 26 May, 30 June, 9 Sept 2012  - £60
Scythe Improvers   11 Aug – £70
Improve your Peening 12 Aug – £60  Book both improvers’ courses together for £115

Scythe Courses

I teach scythe courses for beginners and improvers in Northern England, Scotland and further afield.

If you have an allotment, community orchard or gardening group I can be booked to come to you and teach the group on your own land (you also get your mowing done!).

Feedback from 2011 students:

Sally : Thanks for a great day. I was out in the field this morning mowing until the heavens opened – much easier now I know what I’m supposed to be doing and have the scythe set up properly.

Diane : Just a brief note to say thanks very much for such a fantastic day at the idyllic Sprint Mill.  I learnt such a lot and it was also a very timely reminder of how to look after my scythe. I would like to do some more “team” mowing, so keep me posted.

Maurice: Many thanks for the Scythe course, can’t wait to get mowing.

LEARN TO MOW WITH AN AUSTRIAN SCYTHE
26 May, 30 June, 9 Sept 2012  - £60

This day-long course introduces the scythe and is equally suited to those looking to refresh their skills.

The course covers history of the scythe, choosing the right scythe for you, setting up and adjusting the blade, the ‘tai-chi’ style for efficient, safe mowing, sharpening, peening (cold forging the blade) and care and maintenance of the scythe.

All equipment is provided for the day and the course is also an ideal opportunity to buy a scythe kit containing everything you will need. Buy during the course and you can take home the scythe you have set up for yourself and worked with during the day.

Max 6 people.

SCYTHE IMPROVERS
11 Aug – £70  Book with ‘Improve Your Peening’ course for £115

This Improver’s day will help you take your work with the scythe to the next level.

This course will be largely student-led, working with your current experience and developing your mowing for your body, style and situation. During the day we will concentrate on the scythe setup and mowing technique, refining it for comfort and efficiency as well as looking at further techniques.

Max 6 people.

IMPROVE YOUR PEENING
12 Aug – £60  Book with ‘Scythe Improvers’ course for £115

A day-long course taking a more detailed look at peening and sharpening. This day will cover why and when to peen, use of the jig and anvil, and honing the edge with whetstones. Essential skills for all mowers. Click here to read about last year’s course.

Max 6 people.

BOOKING

To book, please send me an email steve-tomlin[at]hotmail.co.uk with the dates you wish to book. I will then invoice you using PayPal which is secure, easy to use and doesn’t require you to become a member of PayPal. Alternatively, you can pay by cheque if you prefer. Payment is required to confirm your place.

Private Tuition and demonstrations

I can also be booked for private tuition, events and demonstrations or group mowing courses around the UK. I have previously taught the use of the scythe for Natural England and wardens of the National Trust. Please get in touch with your query or proposal.

Tutor – Steve Tomlin

I first learned to mow while working in the Pyrenees in 2001 and have been involved the UK scythe scene since it began in 2005. As well as teaching and mowing in the UK I work with scythe and haymaking experts in Austria, Czech Republic, Romania and Germany. I write the scytherspace blog, run regular workshops in Cumbria, at the Somerset Scythe Festival and organise activities for the NW Scythe Group.

I am a founding member and Training Coordinator of the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland .  In 2010 I completed the Scythe Association’s scythe teachers’ course and now consult on the content and teaching of this course.

In addition to my role as a scythe tutor I am a professional green wood worker, making scythe handles (snaths), hayrakes and other tools for mowers. In 2011 I was commissioned  to make Russian style scythes for the new filming of Anna Karenina.