Scarhouse footpath work and scything training: 23-08-2016

Another week of choice! To scythe or not to scythe? As this is a question you don't often get asked, you just had to say "Yes please!!" However, as there were only 8 places on the scything training course with expert Steve Tomlin, the 6 other available NCVs, who were not quick enough to put their hands up, went instead to Scarhouse reservoir. 

Up at Scarhouse:

Here the NCVs carried out path maintenance and drainage work with our footpath officer Peter Lambert. This is wild, beautiful and exposed part of upper Nidderdale and they were working not far from the deserted Lodge village, so those curious could also take a look at the site of the recent Nidderdale AONB's archaeological excavation. (Follow the link for information about this.)

Hmm. That does not look good. 

What do you suggest lads and lasses?

Perhaps if we dig this bit out here...

...and a bit more out along here...

...and put in a piece of perforated piping here, it will sort it out.

What a great place for lunch!

A view to die for. Not bad for a Tuesday lunchtime 

when other folk are stuck in works' canteens.

Angela 's particularly pleased with the results.

Nothing like a good drainage channel.

This gate needed a bit of attention...

...but the NVCs soon had it sorted. 

Meanwhile at the barn.....

.... the band of would be scythers were learning all the skills they needed to help them cut the budding wild flower meadow, within the verge alongside Glasshouses Dam. Steve was an excellent trainer and made the day both enjoyable, informative and - most importantly - SAFE!! As well as the practical skills, we had to get to grips with new terminology, e.g.

• Snath (handle)
• Tang (hook on the end of the blade)
• Rib (back edge of the blade)
• Peening (hammering the cutting edge of the blade to flatten it out)

NB Two interesting facts:

1. Did you know that the first Sunday in April is International Peening Day? I kid you not. People all over the world that own a scythe get together on that day and peen their blades ready for the new cutting season.
2. The song '1 man went to mow' was used to start off a staggered line of scythers so that they didn't chop each others' legs off as they worked. As each verse started so the next man set off.

Here are the photos (and videos if you can access them) of us all in action.

Steve explained the running order for the day...

...and demonstrated how to stand holding a scythe.

First up - how to assemble the scythe.
You need to fit the hand grips on in the correct places for your arms.

Then you need to attach the blade...

...and know how to pose for a photo without slicing 
off your ear (or that of your neighbour).

 Next we had to move outside to swing the scythes and 
make sure the blades were all at the right angle on the handles.

After two hours the scythes were assembled to 
Steve's liking (sorry Anita - this blade just isn't quite right)... 

...and then we practised our swings on grass that didn't need cutting.
How easy it seemed. 

Swish, swish, swish - no problem at all. 
Hips swayed, knees flexed, arms swept beautifully.

During lunch break Dave slapped on the sunscreen and, as usual, 
Jan aired his toes - socks were still odd ones.

After lunch it was on to the long stuff - the verge at Glasshouses Dam.
The NCVs walked along like a group of Grim Reapers.
Passing motorists must have thought that their time was well and truly up.

Before we could start we had to be shown how to 
hone the blade without losing a finger. A blunt scythe is
 of no use whatsoever.

Next, Steve cut a way into the verge so that we wouldn't 
trample all over the grass and flatten it.
He made it look so easy. We would have the entire verge cut in no time.

 Then - at last - it was our turn.
Off we went.

And an action view.

Once more - swish, swish, swish - the grass didn't stand a chance.
It lay down ready for raking, nicely chopped by the newly trained experts.


Unfortunately two wasps' nests prevented us from 
doing the whole of the intended area but we didn't do too 
badly at all. 350 square metres (about 1/10 acre) in one hour.

And here's the team - all standing in the right way for the photo.

Finally, back at the barn, 
Steve demonstrated the skill of 'peening'.

A great day - thanks Steve!!

Ros E.

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