Helston volunteers pick up scythes to help Cornwall wildlife

A curved blade taller than the person swinging it, a whetstone in a back pocket, and a rhythm that has barely changed in centuries. That is the scene that played out at Helston Cemetery this month, as a group of Cornwall’s green-space volunteers put down their strimmers and picked up something altogether older.

A British champion teaches the basics

Volunteers from the Cormac Volunteer Scheme recently took part in beginner scything courses delivered by Kevin Austin of Skygrove Scythe School, one of the UK’s leading experts and a former British Champion at the Somerset Scythe Fair.

The courses were held at Helston Cemetery and at Skyegrove near Liskeard, for volunteers from established groups across Cornwall. Participants learned the traditional craft of scything, a more wildlife-friendly way of managing grassland and vegetation that helps protect habitats and support biodiversity, one of the practical skills Cormac’s volunteer teams are being trained up in this year.

📷Credit: Cormac

Scythes straight to work across Cornwall

At the Helston course, volunteers were able to take their scythes home to use on local projects, including Red River Rescuers in Camborne, Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland and Boscawen Fields in Falmouth.

Volunteer Dave said: “We had a great day with an enthusiastic trainer in beautiful surroundings. I particularly enjoyed the practical sessions and it was useful to have Kevin on hand to correct our faults as we mowed.”

Volunteer Mark put his new skills into practice the very next day, helping to cut back bracken, nettles and brambles alongside the Countryside Ranger team.

📷Credit: Cormac

Get involved

Cormac says a huge thank you to all the volunteers who continue to learn new skills and help care for Cornwall’s precious green spaces.

Anyone interested in volunteering at a green space near them can get in touch via [email protected], where the volunteer team is waiting to hear from them.

📷Credit: Cormac

📷Credit: Cormac