tinder

[adderrustler]

anyone used a birds nest as tinder before, ?
if so how did it work

 

[Sainty]

Never used a birds nest but wouldn't there be legal implications in this?

Martin

 

[Ogri the trog]

I use wasps nest regularly!
Birds nest should work well, being constructed from progressively thinnner twigs and positioned in a dry place until vacated - however, knowing that the nest itself is likely to be part filled with guano, ticks etc - its perhaps not the best thing to be holding near your face when taking deep breaths to kindle an ember.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[jimford]

I use wasps nest regularly!

I guess you check for occupants first!

Jim

 

[Ogri the trog]

I guess you check for occupants first!

Jim

Winter is the time to collect them,
we suffer from nest in the loft space, outbuildings and even in hedges most summers and I just make a mental note of them until such time as they're unnoccupied. Some succumb to the ravages of weather and are crumbling by the time I get to them, but often there's something to be salvaged, dried and added to the tinder pot.

I guess your warning holds for anyone who thinks that any nest at any time of year can be tackled to harvest tinder, though.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Neanderthal]

Don't forget in sheep country bird's nests could have a high wool content to stop bushcrafters burning them.

Stu