book reccomendations for beginner

[musicman]

Hi all,

haven't been wild camping yet as I've still to learn the navigation and bushcraft skills (basically, everything), so since the "summer's" gone, I'll probably be waiting till next spring, when I hope to go on a taster bushcraft course for a few days to learn what I need to (I think that's probably the best thing to do, any course reccomendations for central Scotland?).
In the mean time however, to tide me over during the winter months, I want to do some reading up on the bushcraft subject to give me a better idea of the subject; also, I'd like to learn how to identify wild plants, berries and trees and their fruits etc. and to learn their uses (for food as well as medicinal purposes etc. and how to prepare them).

Thanks for the help,
Musicman.

 

[Still Waters]

Id say Ray mears books borrowed from your local libary and wild food by richard mabley
also the river cottage series of books is very good for wild food ideas and recipies

 

[Neil1]

That sounds a sensible way of doing things.
Backwoods Survival run excellent courses in your area, so I should have a look at Pats website and get yourself on one of his courses.

Books - Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski is a very good guide with a massive amount of information on the use of tools, sheltercraft & firecraft. I think it is the best introduction to the subject.
Also the "Basic Essentials guides" are very good and cover things like Knots, Navigation,Cooking, Camping, etc.
Lightweight Camping - theres a huge amount of info on the internet about this subject, you can learn about hammock camping, meths stove construction - all on the net! and its free.
Wild foods - Have a look at the Wildfoodschool.co.uk website, they have some guides or look a the Roger Phillips stuff which is excellent.
Don't worry about dashing out and buying loads of gear, or spending lots of money on expensive knives - wait until you have done your course with Pat, then you will know what stuff you really need.
Hope this helps
Neil

 

[redandshane]

HI musicman
Loads of articles here

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/index.php/Table/Articles/

Bookwise to purchase The Mors Kochanski Bushcraft book is probably the best as Neil1 said
Have a look in the library as well for specialist books on subjects that interest you

Also I think you could learn loads over Autumn and winter just by going out for days or short bimbles which may lead to you doing an overnight stay
I did my first hammock overnighter about 5 miles from my home in November and learned loads.

You can take some risks and still be very comfortable and safe
Perhaps go with a friend as well first time
I would repeat dont rush out buying expensive fancy kit (plenty of time for that in the future) but basic necessities are cheap and easily available

Most of all though Have fun

 

[Shewie]

As the others have said, get yourself some decent nature field guides and try to get out on some day walks and do some ID`ing. Trees, fungi and animal tracking can all be researched over autumn and winter even if it`s just for a couple of hours one day.

For your bookshelf I`d suggest Bushcraft by Mors, Bushcraft - An Inspirational Guide by Ray Mears and another useful one is the Outdoor Survival Handbook again by Ray M. This one breaks down the seasons and offers some really useful info with good diagrams also.

And don`t forget you`ve already found THE best resource here in the forums.


Rich

 

[lostagain]

I think the others have covered the best books to get you going although they forgot to mention the vast knowledge stored up within the BCUK forums!

Why wait for summer! This time of year (even with the never ending rain) is great to get out for a day or overnight. It may rain but its not cold enough yet (not including mountains etc) to cause you any worry. Plus, the types of plants / trees etc you wish to learn about vary from season to season and to gain a comprehensive knowledge you need to be out year round.

If you have no kit yet (as someone has said - don't rush out and spend a small fortune, wait until to find what you actually need from experience) can you borrow a hammock / tent and get out for one night?

If you've never camped before, take a friend who has or if you can borrow some kit, take what you think you might neeed for one night out. Stay within a few miles of home or a car, somewhere you can pack up and retreat to fairly quickly should you not be comfortable for any reason. You'll probably end up carrying far more than you'll ever need but thats all part of the learning process. It's taken me years to know exactly what i need to pack for different seasons. When you get back from your first night out look at what you didn't use (with the exception of emergency kit / first aid etc) and next time leave that stuff at home. The weight of your pack will reduce each time you go out and with less to carry you can stay out longer / walk a bit further.

Be prepared for a few sleepless nights. We get very isolated in our centrally heated, sound insulated homes and it can be quite surprising how much noise there is in the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Above all, have fun. Arrive with enough time to set up camp, cook dinner and enjoy your surroundings before dark. You'll wake early and can't beat a cup of tea, watching the sunrise with the local wildlife running through your camp as if you were invisible.

You're about to start a truly addictive hobby, have fun

 

[Shewie]

I think the others have covered the best books to get you going although they forgot to mention the vast knowledge stored up within the BCUK forums!

No they didn`t

 

[lostagain]

No they didn`t

Doh !!!!! I really should read more slowly and pay attention

 

[saddle_tramp]

If you can find a copy of The Survival Handbook by Raymond Mears, thats as good a book as ive read. and id argue that its better than his later books