Scythe's the limit... all thanks to Aidan: Hundreds of men learn how to mow a meadow the traditional way after being inspired by Poldark star

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Demand for scything classes have mushroomed since Aidan Turner's famous scene
Scything is a 2,000 year old method for mowing a meadow
Chris Riley, who runs courses in the technique, said a 'significant proportion' of people coming along were inspired by Poldark

By Jonathan Petre for The Mail on Sunday

Published: 17:46 EST, 8 October 2016 | Updated: 18:36 EST, 8 October 2016

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Poldark star Aidan Turner set female pulses racing when he stripped off to the waist before scything his way through a field in the hit BBC drama.

And now hundreds of men are seeking to match his exploits by learning how to mow a meadow the traditional way.

Inspired by modern-day fans of the craft such as Prince Charles, who cuts a meadow at Highgrove, courses teaching the 2,000-year- old skill have mushroomed to keep up with demand.

Aidan Turner's famous scene has inspired more men to learn how to scythe

Chris Riley, 58, who is based in Dorset, said demand for his training had doubled since Aidan’s famous scene.

This year he has already run 16 one-day courses, attracting a total of 150 people, at a cost of between £60 and £100 per person. Two years ago, he said, he was teaching just 30 people.

Mr Riley, who used to work for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust before setting up his own business, said: ‘More and more people are now aware of scything, so that is all good.

Aidan Turner (pictured) stars as Ross Poldark in the hit BBC series Poldark

'A significant proportion of those coming on my courses have been inspired by Aidan.

‘Mowing with a scythe is satisfying and fun. It enables you to be more aware of the wildlife around you and helps create wildflower meadows. You can just mow long, lush areas, and leave areas which are in flower.

‘At the last course I did two weeks ago, a man took off his shirt so a friend could take a photo of him for a giggle. But most take it seriously.’