Wymondham Abbey is staging a scything workshop on Saturday, August 26 at 10am, where you can learn this ancient skill. Cutting by hand is not only environmentally friendly, but is also an excellent workout!

The instructor, Mike Seaman, will start by giving an introduction, followed by a demonstration. You will learn about the techniques and then be able to have a go on the church’s wildflower meadow.

The workshop costs £10 per person, which includes a simple ‘scythers’ lunch’. Please call Esther Prendergrast, the Abbey’s Learning and Events Coordinator, to book your place t. 01953 607062. Please note that places are limited. If the weather in unsuitable, then the event will be postponed to 9 September.

Mike Seaman is an Agricultural Lecturer at Easton and Otley College, and has a particular interest in historical farming practices.

Wymondham Abbey, the town’s Anglican parish church, has been managing its large churchyard in a wildlife-friendly manner for the last two years with outstanding results. working with WyNG, the town’s branch of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Hilary Hunter, the manager of the churchyard, is delighted with progress. “Since completion of our new extension, we have been managing the churchyard for wildlife and people. The wildlife is flourishing, and more and more people are enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the many birds, insects and plants. Our small wildflower meadow project has turned out particularly well. Now it needs cutting!”

www.wymondhamabbbey.org.uk