NESBiP Wildflower & Scything Workshops 2025

Collaboration is crucial

Over the next few months we will be holding a number of wildflower and scything workshops across North East Scotland in partnership with CuramFyive, Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland (OWLS) and The James Hutton Institute. These hands-on workshops will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start collecting your own wildflower seed and the importance to biodiversity. In addition, some of these workshops (highlighted below), our local scything trainer will be on hand to show you how to use a scythe and why swapping the way you cut grass can help biodiversity.

No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about how to protect biodiversity in North East Scotland. See you there!

Thanks to the kind sponsorship and support from TAQA these workshops are free of charge but booking is essential. 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on these workshops. You can also sign up to our monthly newsletter here.

Upcoming events and how to book

June

Aberlour Glebe Garden, Moray – Wildflower and Scything Workshop
  Saturday 28th June
  13:00 – 14:00 or 14:00 – 15:00
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July

Greener Huntly, Aberdeenshire – Wildflower and Scything Workshop
  Friday 11th July
  14:00 – 16:00
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Newtonhill – Wildflower Workshop
  Thursday 24th July
  14:00 – 16:00
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St Fittick’s Park, Aberdeen City – Wildflower Workshop
  Saturday 26th July
  11:00 – 12:00 or 14:00 – 15:00
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August

The Den Turriff, Aberdeesnhire  – Wildflower Workshop
  Saturday 16th August
  13:00 – 15:00
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The Cabrach Trust, Moray – Scything Workshop
  Sunday 17th August
  10:00 – 17:00
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Aden Park, Aberdeenshire – Wildflower and Scything Workshop
  Saturday 23rd August
  10:00 – 15:00
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September

Tomintoul Wildflower Meadow, Moray – Wildflower and Scything Workshop
  Friday 5th September
  10:00 – 15:00
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P&J Live, Aberdeen City – Wildflower Workshop
  Sunday 14th September
  14:00 – 15:30
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Tarland, Aberdeenshire – Scything Workshop
  Sunday 21st September
  14:00 – 17:00
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October

Barthol Chapel, Aberdeenshire – Wildflower Workshop
  Wednesday 1st October
  18:00 – 20:00
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Uryside, Aberdeenshire – Wildflower and Scything Workshop
  Saturday 4th October
  11:00 – 15:00
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FAQs

Why should I collect native wildflower seed?

Wildflowers are crucial for biodiversity, providing food for various species, including insects, which then feed others and pollinate crops. While butterflies may lay eggs on non-native wildflowers, evidence suggests juvenile survival is lower. Their relationship with mycorrhizal fungi is vital for soil biodiversity, fertility, and carbon storage. Although NE Scotland has many wildflowers, a Plantlife study showed Aberdeenshire (north) had the highest local extinctions in the UK. This is important because local populations may have distinct genetic differences, particularly in short-lived species. NE Scotland’s unique geography and climate mean seeds not collected locally may yield plants with poor survival. All seeds for the North East should be collected in the North East, as native flowers are better adapted to our conditions and will bloom at optimal times for insects.

Why is scything better than mowing? 

Scythes historically created flower-rich meadows. Proper grassland management (mowing) is crucial for maintaining biodiverse environments. With the right training, a scythe is an economical and efficient tool for mowing small to moderate grassland areas.

The main advantages of scythe use for grassland management are:

• Better control over when to cut.
• It’s easier to spread mowing over time to create habitat diversity rather than cut all at once
• Ability to mow selectively
• Less disruptive to wildlife than machinery
• Bringing the community together for fun events

Would you like to learn more about wildflower and scything workshops?

Watch our Wildflower and Scything Workshops YouTube Playlist to find out more about how these events run.