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 14th June 2026.
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 (2026)
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
Book Scythe Courses (2026)
To book a scythe course at this year’s Green Scythe Fair 2026 please follow the course links below; in the course description you will find the dates, times, course content, cost, and how to book. The courses are held on the Friday and Saturday before the main fair and scythe competition on Sunday. Please note some courses need to be booked directly with the course instructor, whilst others can be booked via the Green Scythe Fair ticket site. Follow the instructions on the relevant course link to reach the required booking page.
All the scythe courses offered at the Green Scythe Fair are endorsed by the Scythe Association of Great Britain and Ireland (SABI) and the level of tuition is of the highest standard. Whatever your skill or knowledge level; the courses offer an unrivalled opportunity to learn how to scythe, refresh your skills, deep dive into an immersive 2 day masterclass course, improve your knowledge of grassland management, or learn how to restore an old English scythe blade and snath into a functional tool again.
In addition to the scythe courses, SABI host a series of workshops, talks, demonstrations and their AGM on the Saturday before the fair. These workshops are offered free to SABI members, and are the perfect way to connect with fellow scythers of all levels across Great Britain and Ireland. The SABI Saturday programme changes every year reflecting the diverse range of topics and expertise on hand at the fair. Some years we are very fortunate to host international scythers which adds an extra excitement to the schedule. Previous years topics include: Grassland management, English scythe restoration, Peening, and Hay making workshops. If you would like to become a SABI member please follow this link to the SABI website: https://scytheassociation.org/membership/
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 13th June 2026, 10am–12pm
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Cost: £30
To book a place please email adrianthomas59@gmail.com
BACS details for payment will be sent upon confirmation of booking
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
Scythe Improver's Masterclass
Friday 12th and Saturday 13th June 2026
followed by the Green Scythe Fair, Sunday 14th June
at Thorney Lakes, Langport, Somerset
A Scything deep dive 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
Get personal attention from three of the most experienced teachers in the UK:
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Kevin Austin, scythe teacher from Cornwall, former 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
Plus the opportunity to join in with the Scythe Association Members Day on Saturday afternoon AND the Green Scythe Fair on Sunday.
The course includes:
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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
You will join the Scythe Association Members Day on Saturday Afternoon. You can attend a choice of expert talks and workshops, run by members of the UK scything community and our International friends. Typical topics include more on peening, Grassland Management and working with the traditional English Scythe.
Sunday is Festival Day!
A great chance to meet and learn from fellow enthusiasts and become part of the UK Scything community
Learn to get your blade sharper and to scythe expertly at the BIGGEST gathering of Scythers in the UK!
​Individuals (full price ) £185
Concession (unwaged) £110
TO BOOK GO TO: https://snappytickets.co.uk/event/scythe-improvers-masterclass/
For general enquires, camping enquiries or any booking issues please email scythemasterclass@gmail.com
NOTE: This course is aimed at people who already use an AUSTRIAN SCYTHE at home, work or in a volunteer setting.
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 potentially 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
at the Green Scythe Fair – Saturday 13 June 2026, 10am–12 noon
Learn how to restore old English scythes 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
Attendees wishing to have a go on an English/ Scottish scythe will be given the opportunity to try a variety of models after the workshop between 12 noon and 1pm.
NB: this workshop is designed to demonstrate the restoration of old blades and snaths rather than providing a restoration service.
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The course will be delivered by English scythe experts Mark Allery, Richard Brown, Terry Standen and Danny Hodgson
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COST: £35 (Free to members of the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland)
Booking essential including for SABI members. Book at (Please come back for booking info)
Location: Thorney Lakes Caravan and Camping Park, Muchelney, Langport, TA10 0DW
Contact Danny for workshop-specific questions: hand.powered@yahoo.com
Please see www.thescytheshop.co.uk/courses.html for more courses
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Other courses: https://scytheassociation.org/tutors/