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I'm planning a camping trip with some friends in a few weeks time - where my friends have requested staying on an actual campsite with a minimum of a toilet block, rather than just slinging a hammock in a bit of woodland :) The problem is, I hate the typical British campsite, consisting of...

I'm looking to spend a long weekend doing some wild camping with 2 or 3 friends in North West Wales - anywhere from Snowdonia across to Anglesey really. I'm looking for advice on quiet places to stay, where a small camp could be set up for a few days, with a small fire for cooking, and access...

I'm just wondering - what freshwater fish are worth eating, and are there any 'seasons' to catching different types of freshwater fish? I know the obvious ones, like salmon and trout, but what about all the other ones? Obviously, the rules of your permit apply to whether or not you can keep...

I've just started keeping bees in Edinburgh, having got involved in the local beekeeping association's beginners course, and have recently acquired a small colony in a hive to look after. I was just wondering if there's anyone else on BCUK who keeps bees with whom I can share experiences and...

OK - I think at least half of us have bought a dehydrator in the past year - either from QVC, Tchibo or Westfalia - so does anyone have any good recipes, timings etc to share for tasty things to make? I'll start with one: Mango Fruit Leather Take 1 tin of mango puree (available from...

I recently saw this recipe in an old cookbook (1890's), which I thought I'd share. Its a marinade for meat with which the recipe book says you can 'keep meat safely in the larder for up to 2 weeks'. The alcohol and acids in the marinade should keep any bugs at bay. Might be a good mix to...

A while ago I found a small axe in a charity shop of all places for a few quid, so I bought it with the intention of rehandling it (the current handle is very loose in the head and quite likely to fly off if I start using it - the wood at the top of the shaft is quite chipped and worn and the...

Having picked up the basics of basket-making at the end of last year, and having got a couple of books out the local library, I spent some time over Christmas having a play about and making some more baskets. I've just copied the pictures off my camera, and I thought I'd post the results here...

I've just made a very small leather bottle for use as a hipflask - however I'm stuck for ideas on how to stopper it. I've tried both wood and cork carved stoppers, but both of these leak if the bottle is inverted (quite likely in a jacket pocket). Does anyone have any ideas of what I could...

for many years I've had a wee battery-powered fm radio which I've taken camping with me (bought in a pound shop many years ago) but its finally given up the ghost, and I'd like to buy a replacement. However, not being an impoverished student any more, I can go looking away from pound shops :D...

I got interested in basketry after seeing some of the amazing baskets that had been made by Fiona at the last Scottish Meet at Loch Tay, and decided to have a go myself, after being shown some of the basics there (how to make a base). I've spent a lot of time looking on the internet, but...

I spent most of Saturday doing the annual cider-making run, which has now turned into something of an institution. (for institution, read day of covering everything in apples, juice and mess :rolleyes: ). So I thought this time I'd take some pictures and do a quick tutorial for those who might...

Slightly random request, but I reckon BCUKers might be able to help me with this one. I help organise the Beltane Fire Society's Beltane and Samhuinn festivals (http://www.beltane.org for more info). Before each event, I take the drumming group I lead away for a weekend - the aim is a...

Always wanting easy access to your drinks while out and about in the bush? Jealous of those other bushcrafters who have mastered the art of the beer belly? Well now you can kill two birds with one stone with: http://www.thebeerbelly.com :D I'm now seriously wondering whether this...

Recently found a different supplier form Le Prevo for leather hides - I've just completed an order with them and am very happy at price and service (no, I don't have anything to do with them :) ) http://www.dickensbrothers.co.uk/ Minimum order is 1 kipside, but there prices are very reasonable...

This is something that I started writing a good while ago (probably almost a year ago) and then never got round to finishing, but having just read rich59's excellent post on hand drill fires, its spurred me on in working to get it finished. http://www.pyrology.org.uk About the only bit that I...

This is a quick tutorial on how to make a fully-functioning (i.e crackable) whip out of cheap readily-available materials. Materials --------- 2 x 15 metres Nylon core washing line. 12" 3/4" diameter wooden dowelling 10 feet polypropylene twine The whole thing will take about 5-7 hours to...

I've just discovered that The Early Learning Centre (home of kids toys and games) sells 2.5kg tubs of 'air-drying clay' for 5 pounds. It handles more or less like real clay, but dries hard at room temperature to become hard. Its not waterproof when dry, and will revert to being a soft...

Just saw this article and thought it might be of interest to those people who tend to carry too much technology in their rucksacks :) http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/8874/

Just wondering what knots people tend to favour or use all the time - maybe a top 5/top 10 list. My favourites are: Alpine Butterfly - for putting a loop in a rope - strong and easy to tie - can make double/triple loops. Adjustable Grip Hitch - For making adjustable loops or tightening...