Herefordshire Council is offering a free course in the traditional skill of scything for anyone interested in volunteering to help make hay and make a difference for wildlife.
Hereford cemetery is a significant area of greenspace in the city, providing a tranquil setting for people to not only connect with their thoughts, but to also connect with nature and wildlife.
The wildflower areas at the cemetery support biodiversity by providing food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. They are managed in a traditional and environmentally friendly way by hand-scything the grass to harvest. The hay is then composted for mulch.
As harvest time is fast approaching, a free scything course is on offer for anyone interested in volunteering to help make the hay.
The free course, which is being delivered by Wild Meadow, is taking place on Thursday 31 July 2025, 10am at Hereford Cemetery, Westfaling Street, HR4 0JE.
Spaces are very limited. To book, please email Tracy Morris in the Cemeteries Team at tmorris@herefordshire.gov.uk or call 01432 383 203.
Tracy Morris, Bereavement Services Assistant Manager, said:
“Our wildflower meadows are important ecosystems that provide essential services like food and shelter for a range of wildlife, natural pest control and carbon sequestration.
“We manage our wildflower meadows by hand, and have been working with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and Herefordshire Meadows who have advised on enhancements and improvements.
“We’re now looking for willing volunteers to learn the traditional skill of scything and join our harvest. Scything not only benefits nature but also has benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing thanks to the fresh air and exercise, a feeling of closeness to nature, and the sense of achievement.”