After Hiraeth posted asking if anyone had any flint (http://http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=395512#post395512), I offered to get some flakes in the post.
I set out at about 07:30 on Sunday morning leaving SWMBO asleep. In the hope of finding somewhere new I didn't go to one of our usual haunts, where there are some big blocks of flint. Instead I went off to find a ploughed field. After some bimbling about I spotted one from the road and set off down the path.
The first field had a few scattered pieces about the size of a fist.
There were also some blocks of 'puddingstone', a very tough conglomerate which must be a real plough-breaker.
I had a look at the field next door and found much, much more. Every lump you can see in the field is another block of flint.
I smashed up a few of the blackest blocks and collected the best looking flakes. I did see a couple of small sparks struck off my geo hammer so it works!
It was at this point I noticed a small patch of woodland that I had not been into before.
It turned out to be a 3 acre piece of semi-natural ancient woodland. Bluebells, wood anemones, cherries (in blossom, going back to see those in autumn!), hazel etc. I was wondering who owned/managed it when I came across a sign saying it was Crown Estate land.
Discretion seemed in order so I stepped out of the woods and settled down for a brew.
Plenty of wildlife about: bunnies, small birds (tits, wren, woodpecker and a pheasant calling).
The flint flakes will be on their way to Hiraeth in Wales. Thanks for the excuse for a splendid misty morning's walk.
Cheers,
Steve
I set out at about 07:30 on Sunday morning leaving SWMBO asleep. In the hope of finding somewhere new I didn't go to one of our usual haunts, where there are some big blocks of flint. Instead I went off to find a ploughed field. After some bimbling about I spotted one from the road and set off down the path.
The first field had a few scattered pieces about the size of a fist.
There were also some blocks of 'puddingstone', a very tough conglomerate which must be a real plough-breaker.
I had a look at the field next door and found much, much more. Every lump you can see in the field is another block of flint.
I smashed up a few of the blackest blocks and collected the best looking flakes. I did see a couple of small sparks struck off my geo hammer so it works!
It was at this point I noticed a small patch of woodland that I had not been into before.
It turned out to be a 3 acre piece of semi-natural ancient woodland. Bluebells, wood anemones, cherries (in blossom, going back to see those in autumn!), hazel etc. I was wondering who owned/managed it when I came across a sign saying it was Crown Estate land.
Discretion seemed in order so I stepped out of the woods and settled down for a brew.
Plenty of wildlife about: bunnies, small birds (tits, wren, woodpecker and a pheasant calling).
The flint flakes will be on their way to Hiraeth in Wales. Thanks for the excuse for a splendid misty morning's walk.
Cheers,
Steve
