primitive skills

[JURA]

I have been doing a bit of work on the internet with my anorak on, and have come across a few N american bushcrafter types who appear to specialise in primitive skills.Two in particulat T Elpel of Hollowtop and the Mcphersons of Prarie Wolf run courses/workshops where they set off with no or very minimal equipment. The emphasis is all on develping skills with nothing. Does anyone know of similar schools in the UK as i cant afford a US course !!!

 

[British Red]

I think you could do far worse than PatrickM at Backwoods Survival School

Red

 

[weaver]

I have been doing a bit of work on the internet with my anorak on, and have come across a few N american bushcrafter types who appear to specialise in primitive skills.Two in particulat T Elpel of Hollowtop and the Mcphersons of Prarie Wolf run courses/workshops where they set off with no or very minimal equipment. The emphasis is all on develping skills with nothing. Does anyone know of similar schools in the UK as i cant afford a US course !!!

The skills taught here may not apply to your area. We have a very different climate, different plants, animals, philosophy, techniques, equipment, even minerals.

Of course, some things are universal and it helps to broaden your experience once you are founded in the ways of your native area. I would follow Red's advice and seek the local master.

 

[British Red]

I have to say I haven't done one of Patricks courses - but if they are half as good as the stuff he posts on here they must be worth every penny - fantastic entirely hand made stuff - try a search on his name

Red

 

[kb31]

woodsmoke do a abo course where you hav'it got much gear
but you have to do a woodlander course first.

 

[JURA]

The skills taught here may not apply to your area. We have a very different climate, different plants, animals, philosophy, techniques, equipment, even minerals.

Of course, some things are universal and it helps to broaden your experience once you are founded in the ways of your native area. I would follow Red's advice and seek the local master.

Thanks. thats exactly why im looking for a UK based school/ course. Im interested in UK climate, plants, etc. The universal thing is this philosophy of going out with nothing, or next to nothing. Im aware that alot view this as making life unnessarily diff but its the whole minimalist slant that intrigues me. Less is more and all that. If this is not the way its done in the uk i accept that . but surely theres scope here for someone with the right skills to offer ! Or perhaps im just a contrary old bugger...

 

[Stuart]

for primitive skills Patrick at backwood survival school is superb, you can find him at www.backwoodsurvival.co.uk

a little further south Ben and Lisa at woodsmoke are also excellent they can be found at www.woodsmoke.uk.com

you cant go wrong with either

 

[Neanderthal]

Tom Elpel's book 'Participating in Nature' is a recommended read. He seens to have a slightly different approach to bushcraft/survival.

His DVDs ar quite watchable too.

Another recommendation here for Woodsmoke.

Stu

 

[JURA]

Many thanks guys..

 

[Dave Budd]

Primitive skills is something that I'm working up to running courses in. Though I'm approaching it form a technology and archaeological point of view (my background is experimental Archaeology).

At present it only extends to Iron age forgework, greenwoodwork, archery/'primitive' projectile weapons and leatherwork. But i have definate plans to inlcude courses involving prehistoric cooking, pottery, hideworking, bronze casting, flintknapping and I am working on a 'hunter agtherer' course where people can learn tracking and foraging together

early days, but I'm working on it