Harvesting the Rye

The time is coming to harvest our plot of Hebridean Rye. This rye has been grown for centuries on the Uists, together with oats and barley, to feed crofters livestock. We are keen to play a role in conserving this ancient variety and exploring its culinary role in Scotland’s food system – with its high nutrition value and delicious taste. This year’s rye is a bit of a small messy plot, so we are going to be harvesting in a variety of ways. We are hoping to try out our new BCS scythe attachment, and have volunteers help to bundle the grains and stook them in the field to dry. There may also be some hand-harvesting with scissors, and possibly more besides. The harvesting could be called off if the weather is really wet. We’ll be keeping an eye on the forecast and will let volunteers know of any changes to the plan.

Sign up here to join us: https://volunteersignup.org/QK3H7 

Who Is This For?

You don’t need previous experience. For this session, you do need to be fairly steady on your feet and have a bit of stamina for walking. We supply gloves and any tools. Under 16s welcome, accompanied by an adult.

Access Notes & Directions

We will be outdoors working in the agroforestry alley where the rye is growing (within the market garden fenced area). There will be quite a bit of walking on rough grassy ground, and bending over to pick up the harvest. No heavy lifting. The market garden is on the west side of the farm, near Cramond Road South. You can come in from Cramond Road/Barnton Gardens on foot or bike, but not by car. You can also walk or cycle across the farm from the east side (approx 15-20 minute walk).

Please dress for windy north Edinburgh.

There is a spacious, single cubicle, level access, gender-neutral composting toilet in the market garden.

If you’re arriving by bike, please don’t turn right off Cramond Road South/Barnton Gardens – it’s a dangerous corner. Travel 50m onwards and go around the roundabout so you can get a safe left turn into the farm.