CITO events are not all about collecting Trash
Come along and help mow a meadow ... with a scythe
Sunday 13th September 2015 (11am to 3pm)
Sladers Leigh, a Local Nature Reserve, is a limestone flower meadow with many lowland limestone wild flowers; the habitat is maintained by cutting and raking the vegetation at the end of the summer flowering thats about now.
* Using a scythe is called mowing (link to wikipedia)
The Mendip Society is very dependent on volunteer help and I am hoping that there will be lots of geocachers again this year to help scythe and rake the 1.7 acres as this is the most eco friendly way to manage the meadow.
If you would like to try your hand at this safe, rhythmic, relaxing countryside skill there will be expert scythers on hand to show you how to use a scythe and assist you if need help or guidance.
However, if you don't want to scythe, then you will be able to help rake up and move the cuttings.
It is easier when the weather is damp, so don't worry if it is (or has been) raining (although we would prefer a nice sunny day!)
Children must be tall enough to handle the scythes properly.
Bring along a picnic lunch and drinks - and even a camping chair or rug and make a day of it.
(There aren't any facilities in the meadow, but a portaloo will be available)
Costume (optional)
As it is the 50th anniversary of the Mendip Society this year, we are planning to have a few other traditional countryside crafts in the meadow as well (as only a few people can scythe at one time). To get into the spirit of this countryside activity, we thought it would be nice if people could come dressed in traditional dress - as folk would have dressed in when scything was common practice (75 - 100 yrs ago).
I'll leave that up to you, but here are a few images to get you thinking about it ....
The GAGB
The Geocaching Association of Great Britain (GAGB) was established in 2003 to provide a national geocaching organisation and serve as a UK point of contact for geocachers, landowners, the media and others with an interest in geocaching.
As part of it's 10th anniversary in 2013, it was decided to hold a CITO weekend which has now become an annual event. There is a lot more information about what we do, including the landowner database, comprehensive event listings and forums at www.gagb.org.uk If you would like to get involved follow the link and find our contact details.