Bushcraft News & Events
|
|
NCFE LEVEL 3 ADVANCED BUSHCRAFT AWARDNCFE LEVEL 2 INTERMEDIATE BUSHCRAFT AWARDFrom 2009 George has been running under licence to John Rhyder of Woodcraft School his NCFE Level 2 and 3 Accredited Bushcraft awards. The Level 3, the Advanced Bushcraft Award, is the most applicable for outdoor professionals who want a nationally recognised award that reinforces and gives recognised credibility to any Bushcraft related activities they offer.The course involves five days training, followed by three days assessment after a consolidation period. The total cost of this course, training and assessment is £700. The Level 2 Intermediate award is aimed at the 14+ age group and has been delivered very successfully by Woodcraft School to youth groups for several years. This course is now available for licence to other providers who meet Woodcraft Schools requirements. For details go to www.woodcraftschool.co.uk on links page. George is arranging dates for the Level 3 Advanced course in Scotland and England during 2013, so please contact if interested or check the course directory. In addition, successful completion of the Level 3 course would allow you to be recognised by the Institute for Outdoor Learning's new certificate (see below). Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Foundational Bushcraft Competency Certificate.For outdoor professionals there are additional training opportunities. Following the development of a training framework by the IOL Special Interest Group for Bushcraft, a course is now available to become registered with the IOL in Foundational Bushcraft Competency. This is a base-line entry course which concentrates on safety and best practice in certain key areas.The course involves three days training, followed by a one day assessment, at a later date. IOL syllabus covers the following areas: General Safety & Hygiene, Use of Sharp Tools, Effective Shelter Construction, Basic Fire Lighting, Friction Fire Lighting, Water Purification, Sustainable use of Resources. Basic Tree identification with reference to bowdrill tinders' and burning properties. George is a trainer and assessor for this award. Mountain & Bushcraftway's 3 day Introductory Bushcraft course covers the IOL syllabus and more - see course directory for dates and locations. Previous course participants said: “Fantastic course. Learnt lots and well taught. Recommend it highly!” Rob – FS Volunteer Assistant, Cotswolds. “The atmosphere was excellent and George was most helpful and approachable – it is one of the best courses I have attended.” Andy – Quantock Hills AONB Ranger. “My knowledge of Bushcraft has increased and I am now aware of safe, best practice for a variety of skills to use on a professional and personal level.” Lezlee – LEA Outdoor Instructor, Lanarkshire Dates available in October for group bookings ( venue Crowcombe, Somerset). Group size between 4 to 6 participants. Course cost £240.
BUSHCRAFT SKILLS FOR OUTDOOR PRACTITIONERS Come along and join us for two days of practical activities and personal development aimed at providing Forest School Leaders with basic Bushcraft skills and knowledge. Go away at the end of the course with a host of ideas and activities to incorporate into woodland sessions, plus your own flint and steel fire lighting kit, that we will give you, in a leather “goody” bag you will have made! Course will cover:
Previous course participants said: “ thank you both again for the Bushcraft course at the weekend. You shared your knowledge and skills so generously with us. I still cannot get over how much care, attention and time you so obviously put into the preparation. I have not only come away with a leather fire-making pouch, but a huge host of great ideas for games and activities I’ll use to develop my practise as a Forest School leader” “ thank you both for a really fantastic weekend. I.am busy recreating all the exercises and activities to use with a Forest School group - we are then going to practise everything on unsuspecting kids at the camp this weekend. You are both so inspirational and patient. I think I went into overdrive at the end!Check the course directory for course dates or we can organise a date to suit an individual group (minimum of 6 participants required), either weekend or two week days . Course dates: 19 - 20 October 2013 (Crowcombe, Somerset) Course cost: £140
THE WOODLAND PLAY CENTRE. During 2013 some of our courses will be delivered in partnership with Louise Kennedy from the Woodland Play Centre, Crowcombe, Somerset. Louise is a highly qualified and experienced environmental playworker, leader, teacher and facilitator. Specialising in working in the outdoor environment with a variety of young age groups as well as delivering adult training. The Woodland Play Centre provides an informal education that is unique, special and playful in outdoor natural and wild spaces. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Louise and look forward to spending time at her very special woodland site . For courses delivered jointly with Louise, go via our Links page to the Woodland Play Centre website or check our course directory page.
ENABLING OUTDOOR LEARNING - A CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL FOR TEACHERS, PRESENTED BY THE INSTITUTE FOR OUTDOOR LEARNING. George, along with Louise Kennedy from The Woodland Play Centre, will be delivering a workshop at this event. Tuesday 16th April 2013 at Kilve Court, Bridgwater, Somerset. Workshops – Presentations – Networking opportunities – Signposting to other training – Advice – Guidance For more details on this regional event visit the IOL web site page .http://www.outdoor-learning.org/Default.aspx?tabid=299
Somerset Play Forum 'Spring Celebration' - Workshops/Conference Day. Wednesday 24th April 2013 nr Taunton, Somerset. A jampacked day, 9.30 - 3.30, in a woodland setting, celebrating play and inspiring play leaders with hands-on activity workshops and new ideas to us in your setting. More details go to www.somersetplay.org.uk
|
 |
The hazel dormouse is one of the most endearing small mammals in Britain, unfortunately it is also a rare and endangered species. Over the last 100 years they have become extinct across half their former range in England and they are now protected by law. In October we were fortunate to have the opportunity to join a dormouse monitoring day. This local project is managed by the National Trust at Fyne Court in Somerset and has been running for several years. Checks are made on the nest boxes in the Spring and Autumn and any dormice in residence are weighed, sexed and recorded. In this area of mixed woodland, predominately Hazel coppice, there are nearly 90 boxes. We found a range of individual adults, a family group and some independant youngsters. At this time of year they are still very active, but as it was a cool, damp day this particular dormouse had become temporarily torpid and gone into sleep mode. We discovered that dormice do not so much snore as wheeze gently! This lovely, but endangered mammal, due to habitat loss and disturbance, needs everyones support. The thrill of seeing this wonderful creature and the opportunity to learn so much about them, was truly memorable.. Our thanks to Steve - National Trust Ranger Fyne Court, for inviting us to come along. If you are interested in learning more about the dormouse monitoring projects in your area visit /www.ptes.org/dormousemonitoring/.
|
 |
Learn new skills and meet some great people in sunny Arizona in February! Every year in February a week long primitive living skills gathering is held in Arizona, called Winter Count. Organised by Backtracks, in conjunction with the American Society of Primitive Technology, this event has been running for the last twenty years and is one of the oldest of the contemporary primitive skills gatherings. A huge range of courses to choose from with top instruction from highly regarded experts and crafts people creates a unique event. Combining education, practical skills and activities along with a very warm and friendly community spirit, makes this an inspiring experience. So, if February seems dull and gloomy over here, take the opportunity to join in with Winter Count in the warm, Arizona desert . Visit www.backtracks.net for details. If you feel like attending a similar event later in the year, then information on the Rabbitstick Gathering in Idaho in September, is available on the same website. The date for this year's event is February 10th - 16th 2013.
|
 |
In-house courses/bespoke training. We can arrange a course for a group of people (min 6) at a suitable location and tailor it to your specific requirements. We have arranged courses for members of Forest School Cluster groups, Outdoor Education Centre staff, professional associations, youth groups as well as informal groups of friends, work colleagues, parents and children. Please get in touch if you would like more information on costs, arrangements and courses. |
  |
There is a vast range of books available on all aspects of Bushcraft, woodland skills and related topics and when running courses I do get asked to recommend books that I have found to be really helpful.The list below are some I use regularly and have found to be informative, useful and often just a good read. THIS IS A PERSONAL SELECTION IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER AND THERE ARE MANY I HAVE YET TO DISCOVER AND ENJOY. Food for Free - Richard Mabey Wild Food - Roger Phillips Finding Your Way Without a Map or Compass - Harold Gatty. The Outdoor Survival Handbook - Ray Mears Bushcraft - Ray Mears Bushcraft – Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival - Mors Kochanski Collins Gem Guides Collins Tree Guide - Owen Johnson & David More Tree Wisdom - Jacqueline Memory Paterson A Field Guide in Colour to Animal Tracks – Blitz editions Collins Guide to Animal Tracks and Signs – Bang & Dahlstrom Mammal Detective - Rob Strachan Nature Detective - Hugh Falkus. How to Identify Edible Mushrooms – Harding, Lyon & Tomblin Mushroom and other fungi of Great Britain and Europe - Roger Phillips Sharing Nature With Children – Joseph Cornell
|
