Never mind the grim reaper...

here are four happy scythers!
This morning, five of us scythed and raked our local wildflower meadow.
It took us three hours, and was carried out very efficiently and decorously (no shirts removed, Poldark style!).  
In extras is a "before and after"  collage.  There was a lot of hogweed this year, and strong grasses are still present but, over the years. the Yellow Rattle  has gradually been working its way through the meadow weakening  the  grasses, and helping the delicate flowers to succeed.  
We left behind  a big clump of Wild Marjoram because it was full of bees.Later we discovered why there were so many bees; there was a nest of Common  Carder bees close by. We also came across two small frogs ( a long way from the nearest pond) and two voles, a slow worm, and  lots of ladybirds

This afternoon, I made a batch of strawberry jam.
So, quite a productive  day in a very old- fashioned way!