Striking a (scythe) blow for the old ways

THE scythe may have been an implement confined to the country fields of yesteryear but a group of men in the city are spearheading a day when the old ways return.

Members of Cumann na bhFear or the men’s shed in Ballinfoile will lead a group of volunteers using scythes to cut the long grass in a meadow in Terryland Forest Park near the Quincentenary Bridge.

Last autumn, members of Conservation Volunteers Galway planted over 1,000 native wildflowers in what was up until then a sterile lawn in Terryland.

Their work transformed it into a rainbow mosaic of yellow cowslip, red poppy, purple clover, pink ragged robin, white daisy oxeyes and many other flowers, explained one of those involved, community activist Brendan Smith.

In times gone by, a ‘meadow’ was defined as a field set aside by farmers for the growing of long grass which was cut during the summer and autumn months to produce one or two crops of hay to serve as winter food for livestock.

“Because no chemical fertilizers were used, these meadows became important habitats for an array of colourful native wildflowers and would be alive with the sights and sounds of many varieties of bees, moths, butterflies and other pollinators,” he stated.

“Our aimis to re-introduce meadows back unto the city and provide nectar-rich feeding havens for bees, in particular, which are in a serious decline worldwide due to industrialised monoculture farming, pesticides, habitat loss, pollution and climate change.

“Bees and other pollinators are essential to the survival of humanity as the plants that they help to reproduce are responsible for one-third of all foods and beverages that we consume.”

Set up in 2010, the men’s shed based on the Sandy Road is one of the most established and active in the country. The community-based, non-commercial organisation is open to all men who care to work on projects in the company of other men to advance the health and well-being of  the participating men.

Hosting workshops in wood carving, wood turning, general engineering and maintenance, welding and blacksmithing, the local group has about 50 members. They take on projects which preserve and re-educate the public in traditional Irish rural skills and crafts.

“These skills still have an essential role to play in today’s farming because of their social, health, economic and environmental aspects.”

Starting at 10.30am next Saturday, volunteers are invited to join in on the ancient rural hay-cutting and take part in planting 1,000 more wildflowers.

Light refreshments will be provided to all volunteers.