THE traditional skill of mowing with scythes is undergoing a revival, with scythe festivals and competitions.

The scythe mows grass or weeds, wet or dry, without noise, fumes or fossil fuels. In competitions a scythe often beats a strimmer on flat grass.

Simon Fairlie, originator of the West Country Scythe Festival and editor of The Land magazine, has been invited to run a scythe training workshop on July 4 and 5 at Hore Hill, Chagford.

The Saturday introductory workshop runs from 9.30am to 5.30pm and participants can stay on for more serious long grass mowing, instruction in grassland management and cold-forge sharpening on Sunday.

No prior experience is needed but booking is essential on 01647 24789 or [email protected]">[email protected]

A sale of scythes will take place from 1pm to 2pm at Chagford Market Place on Saturday, July 4.

On Friday, July 3 at the Jubilee Hall in Chagford at 8pm Simon will be answering questions at an open evening. Topics will include low impact living, food security, technology, building sustainably and other topics.