- Using a knife, axe and saw to shape and cut wood, to make tools like a tent peg, spoon, mallet, whistle, pot hanger and also to prepare wood for a fire;
- Making rope;
- Weaving;
- Using a ferro rod to create a flame using natural tinders;
- Making a fire lay;
- Finding dry firewood and grading it to size;
- Making char cloth and charred punk wood;
- Using quartz and steel to make a spark;
- Friction fire
- Extinguishing a fire properly and leaving no trace;
- Useful knots;
- Erecting a tarp;
- Making a natural debris shelter;
- Making a clay pot;
- Cooking on fires;
I was so impressed by the focus and creativity of the participants. A big part of the week was to give the participants the skills and freedom to work on their own projects, pursuing their own interests to make something cool from natural materials. The range of projects included: making a bed, making a chair, spoon and chopstick carving, bow and arrow making, pancakes with foraged berries, making a stone axe, firing clay pots and brewing up herbal teas from foraged plants.
We also ate really well! Apart from the amazing meals at Wiston Lodge, we spent a day cooking a variety of recipes on the fire. This included pizza making, cakes in orange rinds, popcorn, bread buns and, my personal favourite, jam making. We foraged cherries, wild strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants from the grounds of Wiston Lodge, making some delicious ‘fruits of the forest jam’. We also went on an evening hill walk up Tinto to collect blaeberries, making a wonderful jam that tasted just like blueberries.
Our next Bushcraft residential is running from 18-22 August 2022, same format at Wiston Lodge. Accommodation is in cabins, and all meals are provided. If you would like to take part please get in touch with me or Jen or click this link.
Alastair Ewen 07427326697; alastair@aspenoutdoors.co.uk
Jen Brooke 07503274220; jen@aspenoutdoors.co.uk