Scything

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Environment & Climate Emergency, Parish News | 0 comments

Peter Thompson offering guidance on scything

We have had a wonderful response to the report shown on Spotlight last night about using traditional methods to manage land.

The report featured scything. Using a scythe is much kinder to the environment and wildlife. It is less disruptive to wildlife and the soil than heavy machinery with no fumes emitted.  The gentle action of the scythe leaves the habitat intact for insects and small animals.

It is also good for people: it is a great workout and very peaceful.

 

We would like to use traditional methods such as scything more extensively across the parish, however there is no doubt it is more time consuming and we have a very small Outside Services team. If you are able to offer any help and would like to try it out (training can be offered), please contact Pete Gadd on 07887 090445 or email him on estates@calstockparishcouncil.gov.uk

Many thanks to Mr Malcolm Lindsay who saw the programme and sent us his own, unpublished, poem:

You old Farmer Man,
   where have you gone?
Where the sound of your scythe as you rhythmed it those Summer Days:
Where the tossed sheaves of corn, 
         and the knot of ancient order?
Where the rousted rabbit frightened for his life?
Where, within the season’
           those laughing people – 
           as we remember them,
You old farmer man?
How I loved those days,
       happy – mellow in the mid-day sun,
The guys and the girls’
                              and the reasons for lying among,
You carried my heart along the road of tomorrow,
You made me, and left me, those days in the country,
But where did you go,.in the season, without reason.
You old farmer man?
Where is your fraternity now?
Good by you old farmer man.

 

 

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