After many years of reading I am ready to begin!

[Magic Lantern]

This is my first post on this site, so before I cut to the chase, I just want to say how excellent I think this forum is, for the past few years I have become fascinated by Bushcraft, I have watched pretty much every documentary I can find, my main inspiration obviously being the wonderful Ray Mears, as well as reading many books upon the subject.

As a child I spent pretty much all my free time building shelters and lighting fires in the woods at the bottom of my garden, so in someways my interest in Bushcraft is somewhat of a rekindling of my interests.

This year I have made the decision to put into practise many of the techniques I have learned over the years...

So I joined a gym to boost my endurance so I can go on a fair few expeditions beginning in spring (I am an animator, so much of my time is spent sat at a desk staring at a screen, hence the need to get fitter!)

On January 2nd I decided I had to get the New Year off to a good start by creating fire by friction - and I did not succeed this time! But it has become somewhat of an obsession! The wood I used was too soft!

I have a few basic questions I would like to ask experienced members of the forum, some off beat and some practical.

1 - Could anyone recommend an conscise book about the trees native to the UK and their properties? I know a few basic facts, but would like to be able to identify all trees in the UK and understand the ways in which they are useful to the bushcraft practitioner.

2 - Are there any similar books about herbs and plants in all seasons?

3 - I am curious to know how creating fire by friction feels psychologically! ( I told you some questions would be off beat) I am fascinated by the notion of knowing that wherever you are you have the ability to get warm, cook, create light. I would love to hear peoples experiences of the first time they succeeded in doing this.

4 - Where in Wales could be recommended as a good place to start practising techniques - I would like to practise in an area close to the coast with areas of forest and woodland. I ask this because I am unsure of the rules regarding lighting fires on land etc.

5 - What would be the best types of wood to create fire by friction using a bowstring. Is there a preferable wood for making the bow string? Would using a combination of hard and soft woods for the drill be prudent? To make my own cordage, what would be the best material to create the string for the bow?

6 - I would love to know about peoples first experiences of applying bushcraft techniques - what went right and wrong?

Apologies if all of these subjects are commonly asked, this is my first post - I have read through many threads already, but would really like to chat to some of you guys here so I can learn from your personal experiences.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

 

[Bushcraft4life]

Hi Magic Lantern. Welcome to the site it is fantastic .

Thats a lot of questions

To begin with for the second question i would recommend Ray Mears outdoor survival handbook. If you haven't got it already it focuses on the four seasons and the ways in which to use the same skill differently in each season. For example lighting a fire in summer and in winter, It also gives you detailed pics of herbs and wild plants that are available in each season and what they can be used for and how they can be eaten. The begginers guide i would say.

Just to add mate i regularly go camping to wales and i am sorry to say that a lot of places where it is legal to have campfires have been stamped out. But the coast should have more places. When i am there i tend to stick around monmouthshire and the wye valley aswell as the forest of dean. Even though it has been ruined of late.

 

[Wayland]

Hi Magic Lantern

Lots of questions in this post, each deserving a thread of thier own really. You'll get a lot better answers that way too.

Let's see. Collins do some good ID books but I'm not sure if any of them tell you much about the wood properties.

There are tons of books about herbs, I use "Edible and medicinal plants of Britain and Northern Europe" but it's out of print now and like hens teeth to find.

Personally I think fire by friction is all about keeping 20 boy scouts busy all night, If I want a fire I use flint and steel .

The eternal question, where to go...... The access laws in this country are so lousy I go to Scotland or Norway but that's probably not much help I'm afraid.

Question 5 see above and Q6 really is worth it's own thread.


Welcome to the site.

 

[Deleted member 4605]

1 - Could anyone recommend an conscise book about the trees native to the UK and their properties? I know a few basic facts, but would like to be able to identify all trees in the UK and understand the ways in which they are useful to the bushcraft practitioner.

For native only trees I recommend Native British Trees, whilst for a different slant on trees look at Tree Wisdom which includes the legends and myths surrounding each tree as well as how to recognise them.

3 - I am curious to know how creating fire by friction feels psychologically!

I can't comment on fire by friction having not tried it yet, but the few times I've gotten close to a flame using my firesteel have felt wonderful (only to come crashing down when it dies). Wow - I just realised bushcraft is a narcotic!

 

[moocher]

for plant id the concise british flora & fauna by martin keble has good pics.

 

[bent-stick]

Keeble-Martin seconded. I think it's out of print, I got mine from a boot sale. The pictures are really good. I've also got a book published by Octopus that organises wild flowers by colour and number of petals - excellent if the plant you are trying to id is in flower.

Not one to take into the field but if you can pick up a copy of AA Book of the Countryside there are id charts for cows, fowl, fish, invertebrates, you name it. Again I see these cropping up a boot sales a fair bit.

I'm still searching for the right tree book. The tree recognition book I revewed here:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?p=225619#post225619

is good but doesn't do wood charateristics

Fire by friction - feels good. Not as good as being prepared with a bic lighter and some birch bark (or hexy tabs) though

 

[Simon E]

I am curious to know how creating fire by friction feels psychologically! ( I told you some questions would be off beat) I am fascinated by the notion of knowing that wherever you are you have the ability to get warm, cook, create light. I would love to hear peoples experiences of the first time they succeeded in doing this.

Fantastic is the answer You nurture that first coal like a first born Seriously, its like you have just passed a particularly tough test, you are on the Hillary Step, all that remains is the summit (Hand Drill)

Once you have done it a few times you become more comfortable and relaxed in the preperattion and start to tweak things to suit. I for example dont do a burn in, I dont transfer the coal either as I make it 'in situ' on the tinder I intend to use. You will find things that work or dont as you play.

What would be the best types of wood to create fire by friction using a bowstring. Is there a preferable wood for making the bow string? Would using a combination of hard and soft woods for the drill be prudent? To make my own cordage, what would be the best material to create the string for the bow?

I found Cedar to be the best for the hearthboard and Willow for the drill. To find a wood as a suitable drill press it with your thumbnail, if it makes a mark its OK. For the hearthboard you can use the same wood, or if you get the chance, find another type that is a wee bit softer.
Self made bowstring cordage is tough to do, there are not that many resilient enough to put up with the stress of a bow drill, althogh many will work with an Egyptian Bow Drill (or so I have heard, I havent tried it myself)

 

[TheGreenMan]

Hello Magic Lantern,

...So I joined a gym to boost my endurance so I can go on a fair few expeditions beginning in spring (I am an animator, so much of my time is spent sat at a desk staring at a screen, hence the need to get fitter!)...

Yep, this is a major problem for me too, glad to hear you’ve actually done something about it though

...1 - Could anyone recommend an conscise book about the trees native to the UK and their properties? I know a few basic facts, but would like to be able to identify all trees in the UK and understand the ways in which they are useful to the bushcraft practitioner.

2 - Are there any similar books about herbs and plants in all seasons?...

I have the Collins Gem book about trees. This identifies the most common UK species, although nothing to do with the properties of wood and timber in respect to bushcraft needs. I can’t really imagine that you don’t already know about these, but if you don’t, they are easily slipped into a pocket. I have the following (there are probably more in the series):

Collins Gem – Trees
Collins Gem – Fish
Collins Gem – Mushrooms (be careful with fungi!)
Collins Gem – Food for Free
Collins Gem – Birds

With wild food in mind keep an eye out for the book that I imagine that will accompany the new Ray Mears series which starts tonight.

...3 - I am curious to know how creating fire by friction feels psychologically! ( I told you some questions would be off beat) I am fascinated by the notion of knowing that wherever you are you have the ability to get warm, cook, create light. I would love to hear peoples experiences of the first time they succeeded in doing this...

...5 - What would be the best types of wood to create fire by friction using a bowstring. Is there a preferable wood for making the bow string? Would using a combination of hard and soft woods for the drill be prudent? To make my own cordage, what would be the best material to create the string for the bow?...

This is a good thread about making fire for the first time, ‘John Fenna’ gives some useful information about the woods he used for the firebow/drill/hearth, as does ‘oceanroc’ who also made fire for the first time last night:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?p=238426#post238426

...4 - Where in Wales could be recommended as a good place to start practising techniques - I would like to practise in an area close to the coast with areas of forest and woodland. I ask this because I am unsure of the rules regarding lighting fires on land etc...

‘Bushcraft Camping at Yellow Wood

Have you found it difficult to find a campsite that allows campfires? Our stunning location allows small groups of bushcrafters (ie those that actually prefer location over plush facilities) to come and share skills in the Welsh Borders.

Costs start from £3.00 for kids, £5.00 for adults, then a further charge for firewood used. Please email or phone for further details’

The owner of the Yellowwood site is a member of the forums ‘paulcd’. I’m sure he would be able to help if you PM him.

http://www.yellowwood.co.uk/

Related threads:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=17261
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=17568

The Out and About forum might be a good place to enquire about other locations in Wales that permit fire lighting. Bear in mind that bushcrafters may be a little secretive about their favourite places, and quite understandable really, if you don’t want to have hundreds of bushcrafters descending on your little patch of heaven, it's probably not a good idea to post the details of the location on a Web forum

Hope this helps, and it sounds like you have a lovely year ahead of you. Good luck!

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[dommyracer]

Magic Lantern, I think most of your points have been covered by others, I'd just like to say welcome to a fellow Newportonian! (Though I am in exile currently)

Whereabouts are you from?

 

[TheGreenMan]

...I ask this because I am unsure of the rules regarding lighting fires on land etc...

You are not allowed to light an open fire anywhere in the UK on public land, including National Parks, Forestry Commission land, the local beach, the landscaped traffic island down the road , etc

You can only light a fire on privately owned land if you have the landowner’s permission (assuming that you are not the landowner in question, of course ).

Which kinda limits the fun a little for those who want to get wild!

Fireboxes and the like, can help to skirt around this problem in some situations.
http://www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk/tentipi-accessories.html

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[Dougster]

I use Collins complete British wildlife for most things. With some additions from the net and other books.

There is a rough camp just south of Brecon a few of us have been to which is below the Fan, by a small river and with trees for hammocks. The landowner pemits fires and charges £2 per person per night.

I'll let you know more if you like.

Welcome to BCUK posting, may your time be fruitful.

Richard

 

[dommyracer]

You are not allowed to light an open fire anywhere in the UK on public land, including National Parks, Forestry Commission land, the local beach, the landscaped traffic island down the road , etc

You can only light a fire on privately owned land if you have the landowner’s permission (assuming that you are not the landowner in question, of course ).

Which kinda limits the fun a little for those who want to get wild!

Fireboxes and the like, can help to skirt around this problem in some situations.
http://www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk/tentipi-accessories.html

Best regards,
Paul.

I found this slightly confusing.

You can light a fire on any land if you have permission from the owner, whether its an individual landowner or the Forestry Commision, National Trust etc....

Also, is it not the case that you can light a fire on the foreshore - the bit between high and low water - without permission?

 

[Magic Lantern]

Thank You for all your replies guys! All of this is very helpful and a real boost to know that there are so many others out there who appreciate nature this way.

I think I will spend the rest of winter learning about trees and plants and in early spring put some of my newly learned knowledge to the test.

Have any of you made a sweat lodge?

I am tempted to make this one of my first construction projects...

 

[Deleted member 4605]

I think I will spend the rest of winter learning about trees and plants and in early spring put some of my newly learned knowledge to the test.

Why wait? There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

 

[TheGreenMan]

I found this slightly confusing.

You can light a fire on any land if you have permission from the owner, whether its an individual landowner or the Forestry Commision, National Trust etc....

Well, that may be the case (I’m no expert), but my guess is that no bushcrafter is going to get permission to light a fire on land owned by the National Trust or the Forestry Commission. Sure, in theory you could ask them for permission, and theoretically they may say ‘yes’, but my guess is that an individual is going to get a firm ‘no’, from both those organisations. If I’m wrong then I’ll be happy to proven so, and it would be welcome news.

...Also, is it not the case that you can light a fire on the foreshore - the bit between high and low water - without permission?

In short, I don’t know. I had heard/read somewhere (can’t remember where) that a fire on a public beach was not allowed. But if you can point to somewhere on the Web that gives definitive information that’s states that lighting a fire on a public beach between the high and low water is legal, then I’d be very grateful to read it.

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[Magic Lantern]

Why wait? There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

lol ok fair enough!

I admit it, I want some better weather!

 

[dommyracer]

Well, that may be the case (I’m no expert), but my guess is that no bushcrafter is going to get permission to light a fire on land owned by the National Trust or the Forestry Commission. Sure, in theory you could ask them for permission, and theoretically they may say ‘yes’, but my guess is that an individual is going to get a firm ‘no’, from both those organisations. If I’m wrong then I’ll be happy to proven so, and it would be welcome news.

I know of a group (some of which post on this forum) that has permission to use woodland that is owned by the National Trust, including, I believe, lighting fires.

I think in this case it was due in large part to one of the group's members having done a lot of voluntary work for the National Trust, but they have a proper written agreement set out including what they are and are not allowed to do, how often they're allowed to use it etc. etc.

Though you're probably right though, the chances of getting permission as an 'unknown' are slim (particularly with Forestry Commission commercial plantations), I think the point is that if you don't ask, you don't get.

I think the other thing that is important is that the more that people learning and practiing bushcraft and traditional skills get permission to use land, the more opportunities it can open up.

If you get access to a piece of land and can show that you can use it in a responsible and careful manner, then this could open up more opporunities, particularly if the landowner was willing to vouch for you or provide references.

And if there was some sort of formal organisation backing 'bushcrafters' (like the ramblers' association) then it may open even more doors......

 

[Magic Lantern]

And if there was some sort of formal organisation backing 'bushcrafters' (like the ramblers' association) then it may open even more doors......

That is a superb idea!

Something well worth organising, I would join and help out in any way I could.

In fact that is a topic worthy of it's own thread.

 

[TheGreenMan]

I know of a group (some of which post on this forum) that has permission to use woodland that is owned by the National Trust, including, I believe, lighting fires.

I think in this case it was due in large part to one of the group's members having done a lot of voluntary work for the National Trust, but they have a proper written agreement set out including what they are and are not allowed to do, how often they're allowed to use it etc. etc.

Though you're probably right though, the chances of getting permission as an 'unknown' are slim (particularly with Forestry Commission commercial plantations), I think the point is that if you don't ask, you don't get.

I think the other thing that is important is that the more that people learning and practiing bushcraft and traditional skills get permission to use land, the more opportunities it can open up.

If you get access to a piece of land and can show that you can use it in a responsible and careful manner, then this could open up more opporunities, particularly if the landowner was willing to vouch for you or provide references.

And if there was some sort of formal organisation backing 'bushcrafters' (like the ramblers' association) then it may open even more doors......

Thanks for the 'welcome news', dom

And you've got some nice ideas and proposals too!

Best regards,
Paul

 

[BobFromHolland]

Welcome Magic Lantern,

I fully agree with Simon E about the feeling you get from your first ember.
I started from just the RM-books and have been fooling around with wrong woods for about 50 hours until I finally found a working wood-combi. I succeeded my first coal with Willow drill on pine hearth and it felt like an org*sm. Only lasting much longer . It is a magical relief of all the efford put into it, the frustration, the blisters, the $&^&^( drill flying everywhere (mostly against your knuckles). You'll feel on top of the world.

For best places to practice bushcraft I can just recommend your back garden, or shed or kitchen... Everywhere basically.

Enjoy !

Bob