If you are considering coming on a course please note:

You will need a sleeping bag - we provide a matress and pillow with pillow case.
The bunkhouse is comfortable but communal! There are three sleeping spaces, with four or five beds in each room. If you prefer privacy, you may want to bring a tent.

Camping

There is ample camping space with lovely views and a tree bog! The campsite is flat and close to the bunkhouse, but far enough away to get some peace and quiet.


You will need ...

Clothes for practical outside work.
Work boots are a good idea, and wellies if you have them.
Inside shoes/slippers are a good idea.
Materials for taking notes.
No dogs or other animals please.
The food will be mostly organic and vegetarian.

If you are on a course or event that finishes on Sunday or late at night please consider arranging your travel home in advance.

Contact your course/event tutor to see if they can arrange a lift share for you.

If you need to get a bus or a train please consider booking a taxi to the bus/train station in advance. Rural bus services are scant in the evenings and on Sunday, and getting a taxi at short notice in this area can be difficult.

Nearby Bed & Breakfast:-

Woodside B&B, Ruardean - 01594 542516 (Dog friendly)

Belvedere House Lower Lydbrook - 01594 368398

Dryslade Farm Near Symonds Yat - 01594 860259

Inn on the Wye Kerne Bridge, Nr Ross on Wye - 01600 89087

Saracens Head Symonds Yat - 01600 890435

We have supplied the details of some of the local B&B's in the area, however to see a full list of all accommodation available in the area please CLICK HERE to visit Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism website.

  • Training in the Use & Maintenance of the Austrian Scythe

    17th August 2018 at Ragmans Lane Farm

    10.30am-5.00pm

    This one day course is designed to introduce the attendee to using and looking after an Austrian scythe. The course is suitable for a range of experience levels, from complete beginners to those who have been using a scythe but feel that it could be working better for them.

    The structure of the day will be as follows:

    • Introduction and familiarisation
    • Setting up an Austrian scythe
    • Movement and technique
    • Mowing practice
    • Sharpening in the field
    • Maintenance and peening the blade

    The scythe is a highly efficient tool and is regarded as the appropriate technology for a wide variety of situations, much wider than many would think, from meadows and reedbeds to allotments and lawns, in professional and amateur contexts. In addition to its efficiency, versatility, outstanding green credentials and the health benefits for both body and mind, the scythe is an extremely cost effective tool. Once set up with basic kit no further outlay is required, and maintenance is simple and enjoyable.

    The cost of the training is £60 per person. Most trainees prefer to purchase an Austrian scythe in advance to set up and learn on during the course. However, I have a limited number of training scythes which can be borrowed, but this must be by prior arrangement, and an additional hire cost of £20 will apply.

    I train because I'm passionate about everyone getting a good initial experience with scything. I am a follower of permaculture, and work in environmental conservation. As regional co-ordinator for the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland, a voluntary role, I promote and encourage scything in my area of the UK. I have had the benefit of being trained and supported by some of the most highly regarded scythers in the UK scything community.

    Please email Nicole Clough to book a place: good_clean_mud@icloud.com


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