Mowing by scythe

Duration:

• One-day assignment
• Assignment time from around 9:00 a.m. to around 4:00 p.m.

Location:

• Various work sites in the canton of Zurich, including in the regions of Zurich, Winterthur and Thurauen.
• Other locations can also be considered on request.

How it will work:

• The day begins with a welcome at the assignment area. After a short round of introductions, the instructor presents an overview of the program and explains why mowing with a scythe is so valuable to nature conservation. 
• Participants then learn the basics, including how to properly adjust the scythe, adopt the correct posture and achieve a clean cut with a typical swing. They will also be shown how to sharpen and whet the blade so that the scythe always cuts well.
• Then it is off to the field, where everyone can practice what they have learned. Under the guidance of the instructor, movements are refined step by step until cutting with the scythe is easy.
• Everyone then mows together “scythe by scythe”. It is not only important to mow the area carefully, but also to stay alert for insects, small animals or nests that require protection.
• The day ends with a short feedback session where volunteers can share their impressions and experiences.

Introduction:

The introduction is carried out by conservation professionals directly on site.

Support:

• You will be accompanied by experienced conservation professionals who – with their expertise, enthusiasm and keen eye for nature and biodiversity – will ensure that your on-site work is meaningful and effective. They will show you what is important, explain the ecological context and give you practical tips so that you can quickly find your way around and tackle the work with a sense of fun.
• Whether you need help with handling tools, working techniques, recognizing plants and animals or protecting sensitive habitats, our experts will assist you throughout the entire assignment, providing individual support and answering any questions you may have.

Tasks:

• Mowing by scythe

What you’ll need:

• No special prior knowledge is required.
• Above all, it is important that you enjoy being active in nature, are open to new things and are willing to take part in practical work.
• Since we will be on our feet all day, you should have a certain basic level of fitness for physical activities.

Assignment:
Possible seasonally from mid-June to July and from mid-September to October.

Team assignment:
Working in nature not only gives you the opportunity to actively contribute to preserving biodiversity but is also a personally enriching experience. Experience a day away from the day-to-day, in the fresh air and an inspiring environment. You can tackle the work with others, strengthen team spirit and be proud of the visible results of your efforts at the end of the day.

Food and drink:
On request, you can book a catering offer through the association.