03/09/2026
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Geata Arts, Susanne Raven of Seolta Scythe Clinic and Kevin McNally of UCC School of Music are coming together on the 6th of September to celebrate Ireland’s native grasslands and meadows. This event aims to enhance botanical skills and to raise awareness of grassland ecology and the need for grassland conservation and protection across Ireland.
Date & Time: Sunday 6th of September 2026; 11am to 4pm
11:00-13:00- Grassland walk and talk with Claire Deasy, NPWS.
13:00-13:30 Lunch Break (bring packed lunch)
13:30-15:00- Scything Demo with Susanne Raven of Seolta Scythe Clinic
15:00-16:00- Old Scything Songs with Dr Kevin McNally
Location: Island Strand Intake “White’s Marsh”, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Description: We will explore the grasslands of White’s Marsh, a site which existed as tidal mudflats before it was reclaimed from the sea in the mid 1800’s for farmland. Intensively farmed in recent decades the site has now been acquired by NPWS and is undergoing a process of rewilding to wetland and semi-natural grassland habitat. Habitats we will encounter onsite include marsh, wet grassland, reed and large sedge swamp, brackish lagoon and salt marsh habitat.
Native grassland species we expect to see include Crested Dogs Tail, Quaking Oat grass, Yorkshire fog, Festuca and Agrostis species, and a variety of plant species such as Devils-Bit Scabious, Common Fleabane, Yellow Flag Iris Purple loosestrife and Yellow Rattle.
We will identify grassland and wildflower species and discuss the ecology and conservation of this habitat, with a focus on the characteristic species and species transition to maritime and brackish habitats.
Following the grassland walk we will be joined by Susanne Raven of Seolta Scythe Clinic who will demonstrate for us the old practice of scything and grassland harvesting using the Austrian Scythe.
We are delighted to also be accompanied on the day by Geata Arts and Kevin McNally. Geata Arts will delve into the link between creativity and nature and the use of native grassland material in the arts. Kevin McNally of the UCC School of Music who holds a PhD in eco-musicology and community music, will explore the folklore and traditions around old scything songs.
The meeting point will be sent on after booking.
Bring: Packed lunch, wellingtons or waterproof boots/trousers as the grass is long and may be wet. Hand lens and id guides if you have them (but they are not necessary). Rain gear and sun hat.
Expected terrain: Easy going with some uneven ground.
Contingency plan (in case of bad weather): In the event of bad weather, we will postpone and rearrange to another date. Please keep a close eye on your email or provide a phone number to the host to avoid disappointment.
Enquiries: Free event, Claire Deasy, [email protected]
Safety and booking terms: There are no toilet facilities onsite but Clonakilty town located 15mins walking or 5 minutes’ drive away has public toilets and other facilities. This is a free NPWS supported event.
Scything safety: The scythe comes with a sharp blade and angles that can be a tripping hazard. Please handle with care and only when asked to do so.
· No dogs allowed on site, except guide/support dogs on a leash.
· Children must be supervised by an adult carer at all times.
· Please do not bring your own scythe. If you have a scythe and want me to take a look at it, please contact me directly (Susanne Raven 086 213 20 35).
Booking Contact: Claire Deasy, NPWS Conservation Ranger
Email: [email protected]
