Ragmans Farm is nestled in the Wye Valley on the edge of the Forest of Dean in an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. An hour from Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff, Ragmans is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

We have bunkhouse accommodation, a converted 400 year old barn which sleeps up to 15 people, a meeting venue and a fabulous Yurt with outside cooking.

Ragmans is a place to escape the pace of modern life, to sit with friends around the fire or next to the wood fired stove and enjoy the simple pleasures, beauty and peace of the natural world.

Fruit, vegetables  and general groceries can be bought from Crooked End Farm, Ruardean 01594 544482

Central Stores Lydbrook -  general groceries and Post Office - 01594 860302.

Bishopswood Garage - Post Office and convenience store - 01594 862959.

A large range of organic produce can be bought locally at Field Fayre, Ross-on-Wye

Order delicious homemade organic bread direct from The Forest Bake House

Please note no pets are allowed.

Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Visitor Guide

 


  • 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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