10 Reasons Why Cutting Your Meadow with a Scythe is Better Than Using Machinery
Jenny reflects on sything after a day out with volunteers
On a recent meadow mosaic maintenance volunteer day, I found myself reflecting on the many benefits of cutting wildflower areas with a scythe rather than relying on noisy machinery. As I swung my scythe through the grass, I realised how this traditional method connects us with nature in a more meaningful way.
Sythes are light and easy to use - so long as you keep them sharp. Here are ten reasons why you should consider managing your wildflower area by scythe.
1. It’s A Great Workout
Scything is excellent exercise! As you swing the scythe, you engage your whole body, making it a wonderful way to stay fit while working with nature. Its not as heavy to lug around as a strimmer and you can say goodbye to those troublesome back issues.
2. The Peace and Quiet
There’s no loud machinery with scything—just the gentle swoosh of the blade through the grass and the occasional sharpening by hand. It’s peaceful, meditative, and calming.
3. You Are Holiding A Beautiful Tool
Made from wood and metal, the scythe is a simple, yet elegant tool. Its design is steeped in history, connecting us to the farming practices of our ancestors.
4. It’s Wildlife-Friendly
A scythe gives you more control over where and how you cut. This allows you to easily spot wildlife, giving you the option to leave areas untouched if necessary to protect any creatures or plants you come across.
5. It Creates a Mosaic of Vegetation Heights
The non-uniform cut of a scythe leaves a range of vegetation heights, which is perfect for insects to hide or hibernate. It’s a more natural outcome, benefitting the ecosystem.
6. No Soil Compaction
Unlike mechanical mowers or ride on tractors, a scythe won’t compact the soil, keeping the ground healthier and more hospitable for plant growth and soil organisms.
7. It’s Better for Trees
If you’re working near trees, scything is far gentler than using a strimmer. A clean cut from a scythe is much better for trees, avoiding the bark damage that strimmers often cause.
8. It’s Fossil Fuel-Free
Scything requires no petrol or diesel—just a hearty breakfast and some elbow grease! It’s a much more environmentally friendly option.
9. You’ll Produce Healthier Hay
The clean cut from a scythe produces longer hay, which is easier to rake and gather. Unlike some mowers, which can tear and chop the grass into shorter, messier pieces, scything preserves the quality of the hay.
10. Great for Accessing Steep or Remote Areas
If your wildflower area is on a hill or in a hard-to-reach spot, a scythe is much easier to manage than trying to haul machinery over difficult terrain. Its much easier to stand with a sythe on steep ground too.
There’s something truly satisfying about working with a scythe. You’re not just cutting grass; you’re reconnecting with the land and supporting the wildlife that depends on it. Next time you’re maintaining your wildflower meadow, consider leaving the machinery behind and picking up a scythe instead.
Jenny Grant High Life Highland Countryside ranger for Wester Ross holds a deep passion for the nature and heritage of Scottish Highlands. Her lifelong pursuit involves learning and teaching Highland ecology, embracing both scientific study and local wisdom. Jenny's holistic approach extends beyond academia; she immerses herself in nature through hikes, wildlife encounters, and community engagement. Her enthusiasm is infectious, often sharing insights and leading conservation efforts. Jenny embodies a commitment to understanding and preserving the diverse ecosystem around her, proving that ecological knowledge is not just learned but lived and cherished.
I went on a conservation holiday once where we did a lot of scything, so I can entirely agree with you about it being an enjoyable task and a good workout. Huge benefits for nature too, as you say.