Events
Training in the use, maintenance and
joy of the Austrian scythe
St Mary’s Fields, Kidlington, OX5 2BA
Wednesday 5 – Saturday 22 August
Join us for a one day course, plus follow-up practice session, to learn how to use an Austrian scythe and help us manage our beautiful St Mary’s Fields for wildlife and biodiversity. The course is run by Nicole Clough, from the Joy of Scything, in partnership with CPRE Oxfordshire’s Love Your Countryside project
Day 1 – Wed 5 Aug/Sat 15 Aug:
- Introduction and familiarisation
- Setting up an Austrian scythe
- Movement and technique
- Mowing practice
- Sharpening in the field
- Maintenance and peening the blade
Day 2 – Wed 26 Aug/Sat 22 Aug:
- Relaxed scything session to practice and develop techniques and
understanding.
The scythe is a highly efficient and versatile tool, with outstanding green credentials, and health benefits for both body and mind. Come and find out for yourself, and enjoy this peaceful setting and like-minded company. No experience required. Booking essential.
To book your place, contact: Nicole at The Joy of Scything
Love Your Countryside: Foraging Walk with Ma Roemca
Location TBC
Friday 18th September
Join us for a short foraging course in the Oxfordshire countryside with experienced forager, Justine, from Ma Roemca, as part of Love Your Countryside month. Learn how to identify and safely forage for wild food on your doorstep.
Email Nemone on comms@cpreoxon.org.uk to express interest.
Love Your Countryside: Land Behind the Moors
St Mary’s Fields, Kidlington
Sunday 20th September, 2-3pm
The Land Behind the Moors is the last remaining area of unspoilt open countryside surrounding Kidlington. Formerly protected by Green Belt rules, this much-loved green space is now under threat from proposals for 340 new homes, under the new definition of ‘Grey Belt’ land.
Join us during CPRE’s Love Your Countryside month for a walk through this beautiful landscape, rich in biodiversity and wildlife. The area is treasured by local people as the last remaining green space where an ever-growing suburban population can enjoy nature, open skies and a sense of tranquillity.
We’ll meet at St Mary’s car park, behind the church, at 2.00 pm. The walk will follow public footpaths through this precious landscape, finishing at around 2.50 pm at the pond opposite Benmead Road, where we’ll gather for a group photo.
Bring your family, friends and children — everyone is welcome. Dogs are welcome too, provided they are kept on a lead or under close control.
If you’re unable to do the walk, you can still join us at the pond at 2.50 pm to show your support and stand with us in celebration of this special place and solidarity with the campaign to protect it.
Come and enjoy, celebrate and help protect our countryside.
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