TCV EBAT: Scything Workshop & Meadow Management Training – Cockmylane

Learn traditional scything methods while helping shape Edinburgh’s next meadow management cohort and restore species-rich grassland.

Join The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for a hands-on Scything Workshop & Meadow Management Training Session at Cockmylane Greenspace.

This session forms part of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Team (EBAT) programme, delivering practical action towards the Edinburgh Nature Network and Urban Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy.

🌿 Nature isn’t just for wildlife—it’s for people too.
Through TCV’s Nature for All approach, we support people to build skills, confidence, and connection while contributing to meaningful environmental work.

This session marks the beginning of training for the 2026 EBAT Meadow Management Cohort.

It is designed to:

• Provide foundational training for beginners
• Act as a refresher for experienced scythers
• Build a skilled volunteer base to support grassland management across Edinburgh

Last year, EBAT volunteers helped manage over 4.5 hectares of meadow habitat—around six times the size of a rugby pitch.

👉 This year, we have ambitious goals to expand that impact even further.

We aim to deliver sessions Tuesday–Thursday each week, though this may change depending on weather or site requirements.

• Sessions start from 10:00 onwards
• Some may finish earlier or run longer depending on the work

🌿 That’s the nature of working outdoors.

📅 Date: Tuesday 2 June
🕙 Start time: 10:00
⏱ Duration: 4~5 hours
📍 Location: Cockmylane Greenspace (Small Park)
📍 What3Words: ///ships.bars.guard

This session will combine practical training and applied meadow management, covering:

• Core scything principles and safe working practice
• Scythe set-up and adjustment for different users
• Understanding and selecting different blade types
• Sharpening and maintenance, including peening and honing
• Developing efficient cutting technique
• Raking and removing arisings

We’ll also explore:

• How scything fits into wider meadow management strategies
• When and where to use it within a site
• How to work effectively as part of a volunteer team

👉 This is a skills-focused session with real-world application.

Traditional scything is a key tool in restoring and maintaining species-rich grassland.

This work helps to:

• Reduce nutrient build-up, allowing wildflowers to compete
• Avoid soil compaction compared to mechanised methods
• Enable targeted, low-impact management
• Create variation in sward height and structure, supporting biodiversity
• Maintain and pass on valuable traditional land management skills

Removing arisings:

• Lowers soil fertility over time
• Encourages diverse plant communities
• Supports pollinators and wider food webs

👉 Combined, these actions help restore functioning meadow ecosystems within the city.

We will also introduce how meadow management connects to ecological monitoring, including:

• 🌼 Plant identification and recording
• 🐝 Pollinator observation
• 🦋 Potential butterfly transects

👉 This creates opportunities to link practical work with long-term biodiversity data and monitoring.

This session is suitable for:

🎓 Beginners wanting to learn new skills
🪓 Those with some experience looking for a refresher
🔄 People exploring a move into conservation
🌱 Anyone interested in practical land management
🌍 Volunteers wanting to deepen their involvement

🌿 No prior experience is required—just an interest in learning and getting involved.

Directly:

• Practical, hands-on training
• One-to-one guidance where possible
• A friendly and supportive group

Indirectly:

• Gain valuable conservation skills
• Build confidence using tools
• Improve wellbeing through outdoor activity
• Connect with others and be part of something meaningful

• Sturdy footwear
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water/snacks

All tools and gloves are provided.

If this is your first session, please contact me after booking with:

• Emergency contact details
• Any relevant medical information

We aim to make sessions as accessible as possible and can provide limited transport support where needed.

👉 Book your place and come get involved

👉 Be part of Edinburgh’s Nature Network in action

👉 Help shape the future of meadow management in the city

👉 Nature for All starts here

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Cockmylane Greenspace (Small Park), Oxgangs Ave, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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