POLDARK star Aiden Turner would have been envious of the light work a team of scythers made of preparing Penhill Haven ahead of a community fun day.

Members of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and community rehabilitation scheme Swindon And Wiltshire Integrated Team for Change took up the art of scything to cut the grass in the quiet green space behind John Moulton Hall, in Penhill Drive.

Tomorrow the area will come alive as part of the area’s first fun day, which is set to run from noon until 3pm, featuring a range of activities including face painting, music, football games, competitions with sumo suits and a bouncy castle as well as a barbecue and a raffle.

In preparation for the event the team opted for the traditional method of scything to clear the area of overgrown grass, rather than using power tools.

The project was supported by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as part of a new Heritage Lottery-funded scheme to take communities back to their roots.

Bill Blumsom, of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, who has been scything for four months, was Penhill’s answer to actor Aidan Turner, who caused a stir on social media when stripping off and working with a scythe in the TV adaptation of Poldark.

“Already there have been a few frogs hopping about that would have been wiped out,” he said.

“It is aimed at engaging people in our nature reserves and also out in the community.”

“A scythe is a dangerous tool with a 20-inch blade, so it must be used safely. But it has a less detrimental impact on the wildlife.

“It is quiet, relaxing and healthier, it’s a good work-out for the abs.”

The haven is the brainchild of Glynis Hales who is turning the open space into a community green space to grow wildflowers, fruit and vegetables as well as a safe den for the estate’s youngsters.

She said: “The idea behind the project is to show that you can grow food, support wildlife, butterflies and bees and have an area for children to play in, while looking nice.

"This is the first year that we have been able to do any work here, and it is very much a work in progress.

“This is the pilot project and hopefully it will encourage people to take on something similar.”