Young Rangers Learn Traditional Skills to Help Nature Thrive at Coed Nercwys

A group of Young Rangers from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape gave up a day of their summer holidays to lend a hand at Coed Nercwys, helping to cut and rake the wildflower meadow using traditional scything techniques.

Coed Nerwcys, a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) forestry area managed in partnership with the National Landscape team, has been carefully looked after for wildflowers over several years. The results have been remarkable, with a steady increase in colour and plant diversity – a welcome sight for visitors, rangers, and pollinators alike.

Meadows like this benefit from being cut at the end of summer, allowing space for new seeds to grow and encouraging a wider range of plant life. Leading the day was Phil Lewis from Smithy Farm, who taught the Young Rangers how to size and sharpen their scythes safely, and how to use them effectively. He also explained why scything is often preferred over machinery – it’s quieter, fossil fuel-free, and gives wildlife a chance to escape.

Imogen Hammond, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, said:

“Our Young Rangers are always keen to get stuck in, for some it is their third year scything at Coed Nercwys. Scything is a skill that connects us to the land and its rhythms and a fantastic opportunity for young people to try something different while actively helping nature.”

Glenn Williams, NRW Senior Officer for Land Management, said:

“This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable. It’s brilliant to see young people learning traditional skills and understanding how they can make a real difference to biodiversity. Coed Nercwys is a special place, and days like this help ensure it stays that way.”

The Young Rangers programme continues to offer opportunities for young people to engage with nature, learn new skills, and contribute to the care of their local landscapes.