Bedrock Bushcraft Course

The weekend of the 29th and 30th of August saw a bunch of guys trickle into the woods to set up camp for their initiation into bushcraft and survival. Once their sleeping arrangements were sorted the guys got together. A supper of homemade broth and bread, flapjack and a hot drink set us up while we made acquaintances. We discused the plan for the weekend and got some sleep for an early start.

We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning ate again cleaned up and got on with the days proceedings. Fire was the hot topic, where we explored the science of fire and how to get a flame from a spark using natural tinders and ember extenders. The group used ferrocerium rods and flint and steel to create an ember and then turn the ember into flame to build a fire. We discussed the necessary requirements to get fire going and how to maintain them using different fire lays and their uses.

Next up was basic bushcraft tool use, knives, saws and axes. Conservation is intrinsically linked to wood crafts so we looked at tree biology and how to harvest wood safely and sustainably. We include tree identification, as not knowing your tree species limits your success in using the wood you have harvested appropriately for it's specific properties.

A hive of activity as the guys get on with their project of making a wagon stick and practicing tool work.

A hearty curry for evening our evening meal with nan bread and cake and custard set us up for the evening craft  session of spoon carving.
I'm reliably told that the plate here was purchased in Africa over twenty years ago and still going strong!

After clear up the evening was spent improving knife skills. Everyone had a go at spoon carving until it was pitch dark! Everyones spoons were great and a credit to them, considering that no one had ever attempted to carve one before.

Day 2 Bedrock Bushcraft Course

Another warm and sunny morning in the woods, bliss! One of the guys relit the fire to get the kettle on for everyone from an ember left over from the night before.

The morning session was on the reasons and how to of making water safe to drink. For this we used a combination of older and newer methods. first it was off to find some un potable water!

So what your seeing is filtering out the gunk and then boiling out the bugs! You can now also sook water through a filter too!

Last but not least we had a quick look at shelter learning some knots and hitches to put up a hammock and tarp. A lightweight system which packs away small for lessening your load.

We hope you've enjoyed our wee insight into the Bedrock Bushcraft weekend, please let us know what you think?
Bye for now, Dave.