You will find the entrance to the Green Scythe Fair arena right by the SABI Scythe Tent. This is where the best scythers in the country meet to celebrate, teach and compete. This is the biggest and best scythe event in the country.
The finals of the main competition involves mowing a 5m x 5m plot of meadow grass as quickly and neatly as possible. Entrants are judged on time and quality.
Anyone may bring a scythe and register to compete. Blades must be carried separately and with the cutting edge safely covered. Heats begin when the fair starts at 11am on Sunday 8th June 2025.
All entrants should make their way to the SABI Scythe Tent to find the entrance of the competing arena where you will need to register for the heats and then queue to compete. A few scythers will go at a time in separated plots 1.8m wide and 5 m long with the top 25 competitors making the finals at 3pm.
Throughout the day we have various scything displays and competitions with team races as well as synchronised mowing, traditional Anglo-American scythers, a veterans and a ladies cup, plus the scythe vs trimmer race and the famous hay race. It really is a fun spectacle , and it will all be explained with expert commentary.
The SABI Scythe Tent has all you need to know about scythes and scything old and new.
There will be equipment for sale and experienced scythers to chat with – see anyone with a SABI badge.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME (2025)
The location of each event will be shown on a notice in the Scythe Tent along with any changes to the schedule and the lists of those qualifying to compete in the finals.
11am
Scythe Competition Heats (1.8m x 5m plots) – Register at the Scythe Marquee
12.30pm
Hay Race
1.30pm
Scythe vs. Strimmer race and Close of Competition Heats
2pm
Team races and Mowing Demonstrations
3pm
List of qualifiers for the finals published in the Scythe Marquee
3.30pm
Scythe Competition Finals (5m x 5m plots)
4.45pm
Judging of the Finals
6pm
Results and Presentation of Prizes
Scythe Courses and SABI workshops
In the two days prior to the Fair on Sunday, there are scything courses at the same venue. These offer an unrivalled opportunity to connect with other scythers at all levels of experience, and who are only too pleased to share their expertise and knowledge to help you develop your proficiency.
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In addition, a selection of workshops are held on Saturday afternoon along with the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland (SABI) AGM. Previous years workshops have included Grassland management, Hay making, Peening, and English scythes to give a taste of what could be on offer. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Beginners Scythe Course – Get Started The Right Way
At the Green Scythe Fair – Friday 6th June 2025, 10am–4pm
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Morning: Safety, Set-up, Sharpening and Mowing technique
Afternoon: Peening, Scythe care and Tutored mowing practice
Cost: £90
For further info email beginnersscythecourse@gmail.com
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
Refresher Course​
Need a refresher? Want to compete? Try the Tutored mowing practice session!
At the Green Scythe Fair – Saturday 7th June 2025, 10am–12pm
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Cost: £30
Optional blade peening service: £10
For further info email beginnersscythecourse@gmail.com
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
Scythe Improver's Masterclass
at the Green Scythe Fair – Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June 2025
A two day course for:
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mowers with some experience who want to develop their skills
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team leaders managing volunteers or staff
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people who want to teach scythe use to others
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Over two days, you will get personal attention from three of the most experienced teachers in the UK, namely:
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Kevin Austin, scythe teacher from Cornwall, current UK champion mower.
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Phil Batten, master peener from Scythe Cymru;
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Andi Rickard, of the Somerset Scythe School, current UK champion mower
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The course covers:
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improving the set up of the scythe
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improving mowing stance and style
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sharpening, peening and repairing blades
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teaching
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organising volunteers and novices
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Learn to get your blade sharper and to scythe expertly!
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The course fee includes lunch on both days and entry to the fair on Sunday. Camping on site is available at extra cost.
The cost is £185 for individuals. Concession (unwaged) £110.
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This course is aimed at people who already use an AUSTRIAN SCYTHE at home, work or in a volunteer setting.
Places must be booked in advance. For general enquires, camping enquiries or any booking issues please email scythemasterclass@gmail.com
Scythes in Grassland and Habitat Management
at the Green Scythe Fair – Saturday 7th June 2025, 11am–12.30pm
This workshop aims to present and discuss the pivotal role of the scythe in habitat management for wildlife.
Scythes and people together are poten
tially a keystone element in developing and maintaining heathy ecosystems. ‘No Mow’ and Rewilding campaigns of recent years may seem to suggest otherwise. We will discuss how practically the different strategies do work together.
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Richard is a Botanist, Ecologist and Seedsman and will present the session based on his 40 years’ experience promoting the creation and maintenance of wild flower meadows. He is also Chair of the Scythe Association.
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COURSE LEADER: Richard Brown
COST: £25 (Free to SABI members)
Contact for workshop specific questions:
An Introduction to the English Scythe/ Understanding the English Scythe
at the Green Scythe Fair – Saturday 7th June 2025, 10am–12pm
Come and learn how to restore old English scythe blades as we take you through how to transform old rusty blades and wood wormed snaths into functioning tools.
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We will cover:
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blade construction and history
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Restoring an old blade (including Grinding and tang setting Demo)
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Discussion on traditional snath designs
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​NB: this workshop is designed to demonstrate the restoration of old blades and snaths rather than providing a restoration service.
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COURSE LEADER: Danny Hodgson
COST: £35 (Free to SABI members)
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Contact for workshop specific questions:
Please see www.thescytheshop.co.uk/courses.html for more courses
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Other courses: https://scytheassociation.org/tutors/