Join us for a Scything workshop with Chris Hayes at Rathbeagh this August.

In this workshop we will learn about scything and discuss how we can manage grasslands to promote biodiversity.

Scything Workshop :The workshop will cover how to set up the scythe and the mowing technique. We will spend time looking at the sharpening and maintenance of the scythe. We will also discuss haymaking, wildflower meadow management and all types of vegetation. Scythes will be supplied for the workshop , but participants are welcome to bring their own. Scythes may be available for purchase on the day.

If you are a landowner or farmer or gardener , growing a wildflower meadow, have grassland near water or a heritage site or simply want to sustainably manage an area using scything , this is an opportunity to learn more about scything.

This is the first in a series of meitheal workshops hosted by the Acorn Project over the Autumn and Winter months exploring traditional land management skills and their role in managing land for biodiversity including:Scything, Seedsaving ,Leaf mould , Coppicing, Tree planting and Hedge Laying.

Meitheal is an old Irish term that describes how neighbours would come together to assist in the saving of crops or in other tasks. Our first meitheal will take place at Rathbeagh.

Rathbeagh, from the Irish Rathbeathach means the Rath of the birch-trees. It is located in an ancient valley once called Mágh Airgid Rois (“The Plain of the Silver Wood”).Situated on the banks of the Nore, Rathbeagh is home to the mound of Eireamhon. “Traditionally the Tumulus, or inner ring around the Rath was kept clear by the ancestors using scythes and slashers” We are very much looking forward to restoring this practice.

This workshop is supported by the Acorn Project.