Scything workshop

If you have ever walked through Stanmer Park and wondered about the traditional methods used to manage those meadows, you might be interested in the upcoming Scything Workshop happening on 5 September 2026. Organised by the Brighton Permaculture Trust, this one-day session runs from 10:00 to 16:00 and is designed to teach the practical art of traditional scything. It is an outdoor event, though they have arrangements for theory sessions under the shade of fruit trees or a gazebo if the weather does not cooperate.

The workshop covers the essentials of the craft, starting with the theory and history of scything before moving into the hands-on skills. You will learn how to set up and sharpen a scythe, the technique for cutting grass efficiently, and how to manage a meadow properly. The instructors also cover the use of whetstones, the 'peening' process for profiling the blade, and how to select the right handle, or 'snath'. Because the group size is kept small, there is individual guidance available throughout the day, which is helpful if you are a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your technique.

Regarding the logistics, the course is open to anyone over 16, whether you are a gardener, a smallholder, or just curious about the skill. While it is not described as extremely strenuous, it does involve repetitive back movements, so it is worth keeping that in mind. You do not need to own your own equipment to attend; the organisers can lend you a scythe for the day. However, if you decide you want to invest in your own gear, they offer a high-quality Austrian set from Schröckenfux—which includes the snath, blade, stones, and peening tool—for £184. If you do choose to borrow equipment, you will need to provide your height when booking so they can prepare the right size for you.

There is a tiered pricing structure based on your income, which is a standard approach for the Trust. The fee is £175 for those with an income over £25k a year or those attending on behalf of an organisation. It drops to £140 for those earning between £18k and £25k, and £105 for those earning under £18k. There is also a concessionary rate of £56, subject to availability. Since booking in advance is mandatory and requires payment to secure your spot, it is worth checking your schedule and accommodation in Brighton early if you are travelling from out of town.