This page is compiled by Chris Riley. To submit information about an event please email: chris@pratensis.net
For events and courses occurring overseas please click on this link: International Events
SABI AGM *** CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 ***
Sat 13 June 2020
The meeting will occur on the Saturday evening of the Green Scythe Fair weekend (see below), as this is the time when most SABI members are gathered. We have our AGM to conduct formal business of electing officers etc. There will also be a brief open discussion of pertinent issues. Time of meeting 7.00pm (tbc).
Green Scythe Fair *** CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 ***
Sun 14 June 2020
Incorporating the 16th West Country Scythe Festival
Thorney Lakes, Somerset
The biggest and best scythe event in the country. Scythe championship, scythe and haymaking events, crafts, stalls, music, speakers, kids area, local food and drink. For more up-to-date information see www.greenfair.org.uk
In the run up to the festival there are two scythe courses. The Improvers’ Masterclass is on the Friday and Saturday, and the Beginners’ Course is on the Saturday. For further course details go to courses page.
Eastern Counties Scything Festival
Sat/Sun 20/21 June 2020
Wimpole Estate, near Cambridge
This is the 13th scythe event at the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate. It is designed to be a fun weekend with as many rural competitions as possible and unlimited acres of grass to mow!!
On Saturday there are numerous free learning opportunities to pick up mowing tips or get help with sharpening from experienced scythe users who always happy and willing to share knowledge. On Sunday there are scythe mowing competitions which anyone with a scythe can enter. This is the only event in the UK where you can compete in competitions varying from 5m x 5m right up to a quarter of an acre. There will also be demonstrations of blacksmithing, greenwood working and other rural crafts.
Camping is available and there are spaces for stallholders. There is some information about past events here: https://sadeik.wordpress.com/
Email: Simon.Damant@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gairloch Highland Gathering *** CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 ***
6 July 2019
Big Sand campsite, just a few miles from Gairloch
The varied events, activities and entertainments include a scything competition.
Information is on the “Gathering” facebook page
The Northern Scythe & Meadows Fair
Sat/Sun 4/5 July 2020
Forest of Bowland: Bell Sykes Farm, Slaidburn BB7 3AQ.
Bell Sykes Farm is special in having an wonderful collection of unimproved and restored flower-rich grasslands. These will be open to explore on Saturday as a National Meadows Day event. There will also be associated meadow and conservation themed stalls plus scythe demonstrations.
On Sunday there will be the 5th Northern Scythe competition. Competitors from all over the country are invited to enjoy mowing in this beautiful location and to experience what it’s like to mow a flower rich upland hay meadow sward. It’s a joy!
Tickets for this event available on the gate tickets for this event (no need to book).
See the web site https://www.meadowconnections.co.uk/ for more information
Shropshire Hills Scythe Event
Sat 11 July 2020
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre,
School Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9RS
The Shropshire Hills Hay Meadow Festival will incorporate the South Shropshire Scything Competition. For more information see the web site:
https://www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk/event/hay-meadow-festival/
Scottish Scything Festival
Sat 25 July 2020
Blackhaugh Community Farm, Perthshire
For more information visit https://blackhaughcommunityfarm.weebly.com/scythe-festival.html or contact Rob Brodie at robmaculture@yahoo.co.uk
Here is an image from the 2019 event.
International Peening Day 2021
Provisional date Sun 4 April 2021 (First Sunday in April)
International Peening Day is an ‘everywhere-event’ – it’s aims are to remind people to prepare their scythes in advance of the mowing season and provide support by encouraging them to get together to peen together. Connect with other scythers via email or facebook to find or create an opportunity to gather and peen where you are.