Weekend Bush Craft with Forest Knights

When I realised I was off for a weekend camping in the forest and learning traditional bush craft skills I was apprehensive to say the least. I am more of a hotel and dining out kind of girl, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The first evening we put up tents (I did need assistance but was given it without being made to feel foolish) and then settled round the camp fire to share stories and get to know each other and be inducted to camp life. I heard stories to make my hair and toes curl and some which just made me laugh. The entire team were very welcoming and at ease chatting away and encouraging us all to join in with our stories.

The toilet was a revelation, it was not flushable, obviously, but was by far the most hygienic and eco friendly outdoor loo I have used and no smell at all!! But that was the whole point of the weekend, although we learned primitive skills, we ate well, in fact better than I often eat at home, and were comfortable. There was even a shower rigged up, although as it was only 2 days I did not partake and stuck with the wet wipes and moisturiser route, which worked a treat.

So on day one we started with learning knife skills, how to handle a knife, how to recognise a quality knife, how to use a knife to chop a log you would have thought would need an axe. Oh yes, the boys were in their element breaking up logs with knives. All had manic grins on their faces and I must admit I was having fun too.

Then when we had enough skill we made our own bow drill set. This is used to make fire from friction. Now it was hard work and I would always prefer to use a lighter or matches for convenience, but there is something immensely satisfying about turning a few blocks of wood into a usable tool which required some fine carving and you can then light a fire from.

Our other activities included some plant identification, tracking of animals, building a shelter from debris and taking nettles and processing and weaving them to make cord. I was not naturally skilled at many of these things, but did find enormous enjoyment and satisfaction from achieving things I would have never thought I would be able to. I especially enjoyed putting the sticky bread mix on the lamb before throwing it directly in the fire. The taste of it when it came out 3 hours later once the burnt bread was broken away was exquisite.

I learned so much in an interesting and enjoyable way and went to bed every night physically exhausted. My biggest surprise was how well I slept but fresh air does wonderful things to you.

I cannot recommend this highly enough and would encourage anyone to give it a go. It is very reasonably priced considering how much food is provided and the skills you pick up and that there are no other expenses whatsoever. A wonderful change from town or city life!

For more information see www.forestknights.co.uk

Forest Knights offer bush craft for children and adults as well as first aid course sand expeditions. All instructors are CRB checked.

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