Ten volunteers braved the heat and took a drive over to Banovallum House the Headquarters of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in Horncastle. We set to, breaking into 2 groups with Jonathan and Sophie taking people through setting up and using the scythes. Once we were all ready we started the practical work of cutting back the very dry wild flower meadow, taking turns at the scythes, adjusting them where necessary.

There were also some nettles to clear away from the newly planted hedgerows and general tidying of the paths around gardens.

Plenty of breaks and plenty of cake (from Karl and the one I made) kept everyone at work. Strangely enough we had so much cake that no biscuits were eaten. All was completed by a late lunch time. Everyone had worked hard but was feeling the 28 degree heat so we had lunch, ate some more cake, chilled a while before heading off.

One other small 'event' was after I took to using a scythe that had been in use all morning....I had made 10 or so cuts when the snaith (the handle) snapped clean in half.  I think it must have had a weak spot and maybe it had dried out in the heat of the store? 
Jeff

Footnote: We found a note in the instruction booklet explaining that this is something that has happened quite often. Various precautions are listed that will reduce the likelihood, some fairly obvious, some less so. Anyhow, Jeff contacted the supplier about buying a new snaith and he sent the Group a new one free of charge, as he didn't think the breakage was caused by mal-treatment. This was great news and much appreciated.