26 28th May. Wild Lore Bushcraft course
http://www.wildlore.co.uk/
It was fantastic!
A group of 11 arrived at some woodland in Sussex. A varying degree of basic knowledge was held. I know a little about lighting fires, wild food, putting up a tarp, for example. Others came proud of the fact that they knew nothing and were very keen to learn. Dave called us together after shelters had been put up, then took us for a little walk.
The first thing we did was to try out our senses within the woodland environment. We were encouraged to find and try out our peripheral vision, rather than just focusing on what is straight ahead. Our ears, noses and skin were used to sense the environment around us, and we were taught how to walk slowly and very quietly. As I did the exercises I started to see a whole host of creatures all around, and so it was working well for me. Each day was then started with this exercise, aimed as at slowing us all down and tuning into the natural landscape around us.
The course covered a whole host of skills. We lit fires using birch bark, cramp balls, reed mace, with fire steels and with bow drills that we made ourselves. Successes erupted all around and many had their first experience of the elusive skill of making fire without matches. Perhaps old hat to many, but a joy for most! We all had a chance to put up tarps (most had brought tents to sleep in), we explored the basics of debris shelter building. We went on a wild food and tree ident walk. We discussed many factors associated with bushcraft, from where to put your shelter, to natural navigation techniques. We spent a lot of time learning new stuff.
We slept in a woodland that was host to a nocturnal black bird. He was a REALLY noisy bugger (and probably still is). Through out the course we ate like kings! This included preparing then cooking our own fish over our own fire. Fish has rarely tasted so good.
The skills and knowledge held by the tutors, Dave and Garrick, are exceptional. They really know their stuff. But more than this they are able to share it in a way that suited all who attended. Gentle, natural, welcoming. Im pleased to be a beginner at all this stuff. I know a little, but came away with twice the knowledge Id had before. There are a lot of courses out there for beginners, and this is another one I would recommend highly. Those who went knowing next to nothing all reported having had a great time, and all demonstrated that they had learnt a great deal.
As ever, thanks must be given to all who put the course on, not just the tutors but also Amanda, the lands co-owner who attended as our first aider. Despite the knife safety talk she had a couple of opportunities to display her skills. And to Cerri for her continuous supply of healthy lovely food. But also to all who attended with a good spirit and a willingness to join in.
Very Groovy!
http://www.wildlore.co.uk/
It was fantastic!
A group of 11 arrived at some woodland in Sussex. A varying degree of basic knowledge was held. I know a little about lighting fires, wild food, putting up a tarp, for example. Others came proud of the fact that they knew nothing and were very keen to learn. Dave called us together after shelters had been put up, then took us for a little walk.
The first thing we did was to try out our senses within the woodland environment. We were encouraged to find and try out our peripheral vision, rather than just focusing on what is straight ahead. Our ears, noses and skin were used to sense the environment around us, and we were taught how to walk slowly and very quietly. As I did the exercises I started to see a whole host of creatures all around, and so it was working well for me. Each day was then started with this exercise, aimed as at slowing us all down and tuning into the natural landscape around us.
The course covered a whole host of skills. We lit fires using birch bark, cramp balls, reed mace, with fire steels and with bow drills that we made ourselves. Successes erupted all around and many had their first experience of the elusive skill of making fire without matches. Perhaps old hat to many, but a joy for most! We all had a chance to put up tarps (most had brought tents to sleep in), we explored the basics of debris shelter building. We went on a wild food and tree ident walk. We discussed many factors associated with bushcraft, from where to put your shelter, to natural navigation techniques. We spent a lot of time learning new stuff.
We slept in a woodland that was host to a nocturnal black bird. He was a REALLY noisy bugger (and probably still is). Through out the course we ate like kings! This included preparing then cooking our own fish over our own fire. Fish has rarely tasted so good.
The skills and knowledge held by the tutors, Dave and Garrick, are exceptional. They really know their stuff. But more than this they are able to share it in a way that suited all who attended. Gentle, natural, welcoming. Im pleased to be a beginner at all this stuff. I know a little, but came away with twice the knowledge Id had before. There are a lot of courses out there for beginners, and this is another one I would recommend highly. Those who went knowing next to nothing all reported having had a great time, and all demonstrated that they had learnt a great deal.
As ever, thanks must be given to all who put the course on, not just the tutors but also Amanda, the lands co-owner who attended as our first aider. Despite the knife safety talk she had a couple of opportunities to display her skills. And to Cerri for her continuous supply of healthy lovely food. But also to all who attended with a good spirit and a willingness to join in.
Very Groovy!
