One-on-one workshop – Working with nature, not against it
When ? Choose your own date
Costs: 85 euros, the course is approximately 2-3 hours depending on conditions.
Location: At Val de Foy, Eymet, but open for another location.
The scythe is one of the oldest tools humans have used to work with the land. Simple in design, yet highly effective when used with the right knowledge and technique.
In 2018, I was introduced to the art of scything by Sandy from Zeisles.nl, who was one of the leading experts in scything in the Netherlands at that time. She taught me the importance of using quality tools, how to sharpen and maintain a blade through whetting and peening, the differences between blades for grasses and those designed for rough vegetation, and how to adjust a scythe properly to your own body.
This workshop is a one-on-one introduction to that knowledge and craftsmanship.
You will learn the basic principles of working with a scythe: how to set up the tool, how to hold and move it correctly, how to maintain the blade, and how to choose the right equipment for different types of vegetation. The goal is not simply to cut grass, but to understand how to work efficiently and comfortably with a tool that has been refined over centuries.
Why scything and not machines?
Choosing a scythe instead of a machine mower has many benefits. It reduces the use of fossil fuels, avoids noise pollution, and allows you to work more closely with the land. A scythe gives insects and small animals a better chance to survive compared to fast, intensive mowing. It also encourages us to observe what is growing around us, and become more connected to the places we care for.
There is also a unique quality to the rhythm of scything. When the tool is correctly adjusted and the technique is right, the movement becomes natural and efficient. The combination of physical work, concentration and repetition creates a sense of focus and connection that many people experience as calming and meditative.
During this hands-on workshop, you will learn the essential skills to start scything yourself. You will leave with a better understanding of the tool, the confidence to practise at home, and the foundation needed to maintain your own piece of land in a more ecological way.
Finding good quality scythes and accessories can be difficult, as they are rarely available in local shops. If you would like to invest in proper equipment, Val de Foy can help order the right materials to make high-quality scything tools and accessories accessible.
Whether you manage a garden, an orchard, a meadow or simply want to reconnect with traditional land skills, scything is a practical and meaningful way to work alongside nature.
Languages: accessible for English, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese and any other native speaker who manages communication with hands and feet.
Book this workshop!
