Astley Ainslie Meadow Conservation Days

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Step into the meadow and learn one of the most sustainable, peaceful, and rewarding land-management skills in history. Discover how traditional scything boosts biodiversity, supports climate resilience, and enhances personal well-being—then take to the field to try it yourself.

Morning Workshop: Hands-on Scything & Ecology

Time: 09:30 – 12:30 | Booking required — maximum 8 places per day

· Discover the Ecology: Uncover the secrets of species-rich grasslands, traditional hay meadows, and vibrant wildflower displays. Learn how targeted, seasonal mowing directly supports local biodiversity and climate resilience.

· Master the Craft: Get hands-on with traditional scything equipment. Guided by experienced instructors, you will cover tool setup, safe handling, effortless ergonomic mowing techniques, and effective vegetation raking to build healthy soil.

Afternoon Session: Practical Meadow Mowing

Time: 13:30 – 15:30 | Open to morning attendees & returning 2025 scythers

· Put Skills to Work: Join forces to manage our active wildflower zones in a rewarding afternoon of collective land care.

· Make a Tangible Impact: Practice your mowing, raking, gathering, and stacking techniques across full-scale meadow plots, directly contributing to the site’s long-term environmental health.