Meadow management & scythe training 2012

Emorsgate are participating in a number of training events this year.

If you have created a meadow, or planning on sowing one but are not sure how to manage it these courses and events could offer you the knowledge you need for success.

Grassland restoration, management and creation under Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)

Wednesday 4th July 2012. Donald MacIntyre, Bath, Somerset.

Based on our farm on the edge of the cotswolds it will look at the options under HLS for maintaining, restoring and creating wild grasslands. There will be an opportunity to see some good examples of unimproved limestone grassland and to discuss methods for maintaining these grasslands. We will also see examples of semi-improved fields that have been restored by over-seeding with brush harvested seed at intervals since 1997, and how, after 8-10 years, the restored examples have become equal to comparable examples of unimproved grassland. There will be an opportunity to see a wide range of species and grassland types, and the differing techniques that may be used to maintain, restore and create these grasslands, with discussion of the science behind the methods, and how this fits in with running a commercial farm.

This field based day is part of the flora locale training programme.

Fee £100 / £75 concessions - to book contact floralocale

Scything and grassland management courses

With the right training in scythe use and sharpening a good scythe is a surprisingly economical and efficient tool for mowing small to modest areas of grassland.

Scything is also a cheaper and more productive way of getting fit as compared with a visit to the Gym! To participate in these events you do not need previous experience with a scythe - in fact if, like many before, you have tried and failed with a blunt old implement you are advised to take this opportunity to put this experience behind you!

Scything & grassland management course

Saturday 26th May 2012. Ilketshall St. Andrew, Suffolk.

An introduction to scythes and their use including:  correct setting up of scythes, sharpening, mowing techniques and aspects of grassland management.

A course led by Richard Brown for Greengrow

contact us for more information.

Scything & Smallholders Weekend

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June. Wimpole Hall, Cambs. (National Trust)

An opportunity for a day out, to learn about wildflowers, managing meadows and scything, and to seek expert advice from Simon Damant (National Trust) and Richard Brown (Emorsgate Seeds) and others.

The weekend includes horse mowing competition, vintage tractors, smallholders stalls, blacksmith, local beer festival, homemade cider competition and spoon making competition. The weekend culminates with the 4th Eastern Counties Scything Competition on Sunday afternoon (open to all abilities!).

Saturday 23 June - Scything course for beginners and improvers

If you are looking to develop your knowledge of meadow management and proper use of a scythe this course will provide you with the essential skills you need to take home and put into practice.

For more information see www.wimpole.org or contact simon.damant@gmail.com

The Scythe Festival and South Somerset Green Fair

16th & 17th June 2012, Muchelney, Near Langport, Somerset

On Saturday 16th June there will be scything and haymaking courses and workshops for both beginners and for mowers with some experience. The courses are lead by Simon Fairlie with contributions from others including Richard Brown from Emorsgate Seeds. On Sunday, which is the festival proper, there will be a wider range of events including scything competitions.

see www.thescytheshop.co.uk/festival.html for details

Scything demonstrations

Saturday 21st July 2012. Oxborough Hall (NT), Norfolk

Richard Brown from Emorsgate seeds will be giving talks and demonstrations on scything and meadow managment from 11am - 3pm in the walled garden at Oxborough hall. He wll be available to give advice, so come along if you need help with either wildflower management or scythes.

Advice and talks free but normal NT entry fees apply.

Posted on 19 February 2012,
Category: Events