Herefordshire Council are engaged in a project to try and increase plant species diversity in the grassland areas of Hereford Cemetery to create mini meadows that will, among other things:
- provide greater opportunities for people’s connection with nature.
- have significant benefits for pollinating insects and small mammals which in turn provide food for other species, particularly birds,
- sequester carbon.
The Council Bereavement Services are looking for volunteers to help support staff with the harvesting of the meadows by hand. In keeping with the project ethos this will be done using a traditional hand scything method. They will be holding a free scything course with Wild Meadow on Thursday 4th August from 10am to 3pm. With course participants being expected to then comment to several short scything session per year.
The course will include:
All the scythes, sharpening and peening equipment.
The course will cover:
- The different parts of a scythe
- Setting up a scythe based on height, arm and leg length
- Selecting the right blade for the job
- Sharpening
- Mowing technique
- Peening (cold forging) the blade
- Health and safety – mowing and working in public areas
- How to mow in groups
- Care of the scythe
Lunch will be provided for all participants. If you are interested in taking part please contact Tracy Morris (tracy.morris@herefordshire.gov.uk)