In a world increasingly dominated by high-tech solutions, a growing number of enthusiasts and environmentalists are turning to an age-old practice to maintain their land and reconnect with nature: scything. This ancient art, which dates back thousands of years, is experiencing a renaissance, bringing with it numerous benefits for both the environment and personal well-being and an eco-friendly approach to land management. Scything is perfect for anything from a lawn to a mature area that needs a yearly cut.

Scything, the use of a long-handled, curved blade to cut grass or grain, was once an essential skill for farmers and labourers. However, with the advent of modern machinery, it fell out of favour. Today, as people become more conscious of their environmental impact and seek sustainable practices, scything is making a notable comeback. Part of this revival has been a transition from old and very heavy English scythes, which required considerable strength and technique, towards lighter and faster Austrian scythes which were traditionally used by all family members.

Scythes are silent, emit no pollutants, and require no fossil fuels. They are perfect for maintaining biodiversity in meadows, wildflower gardens, and nature reserves, as the gentle action of the scythe leaves the habitat intact for insects and small animals. Furthermore, scything promotes healthier soil by avoiding soil compaction and fostering natural plant regeneration. Scything is not only beneficial for the environment but also for personal health. The rhythmic motion of scything provides a full-body workout, engaging muscles in the arms, shoulders, back, and core. It's a low-impact, meditative activity that encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection with nature. Scything sessions provide participants with hands-on experience and teach them how to properly maintain and sharpen their scythes. Whether you are a gardener, farmer, or someone looking for a new hobby, the workshop and scything festival at Wandlebury are an excellent way to learn about this ancient craft.

The Wandlebury Scything Festival 2024 takes place on Sunday 21 July including the return of the Eastern Counties Scything Championships. This is proceeded by a 'Learn to Scythe' workshop on Saturday 20 July.

Jim McVittie, heading up the events at Wandlebury, will also be overseeing the return of the Eastern Counties Scything Championships: “We will be awarding five cups - overall champion, ladies champion, veterans’ champion, English scythe champion and the much-coveted Quality cup for the best overall quality mowing. We will also be holding a race between a scythe and a brush cutter, we fully expect the scythe to win, of course.”