Bow Drill Friction Fire

A few years ago I had a go at making a bow drill, I spent a weekend with Paul de Fitter making smoke, lots and lots of smoke.
Over the next year I watched more videos and tried again and again, with no success.
I then did some training with the Bushcraft Company and with the training provided managed to be the first on the camp to get it working.
At the time i was taught to use the same peice of wood for the hearth and the spindle, the spindle should be as big as the span of my fingers and as wide as my thumb, the hearth should be as deep as two fingers, and the bow should be straight, and the bow should be angled down slightly to prevent the string rising up the spindle.
Although I was told that it was a perishable skill I did not practice much and lost the knack.
It was another 18 months before I properly tried again, and the skill was gone.
I met with Craig who had been taught a different way on how to do it thinning out the hearth board and spindle are only one finger width also the spindle is much longer as long as my shin,  and the bow much more curved, the clue is in the name, the bowing action is steady and level, like a snooker player.
The kit he had was amazing, sourced by Dave Watson, seasoned Lime hearth and Hazel spindle.
Craig has also spent a goodly amount of time practicing with other woods and helped me with correcting my technique.
Over the last few weeks whenever I have had a day off I have been practicing with various kits, getting an ember about half the time.
I have found the Hazel is the best for a spindle it makes a nice fine powder and does not polish as easily as other woods.
Lime and Alder make the best hearths,  Sweet Chestnut has not worked yet.
I've heard Sycamore works well but not tested it yet, it's on my list.

Melbourne Derbyshire Meet 14-17/11/14

Well this is a meet that's been on the cards for a while, I believe it was organised by Squiffy.
Craig has been freinds with some of these folks for a while others he has met through Facebook a couple of things had been organised for the Saturday other than that it was a chance to meet up an hang out with some like minded people.
The address for the camp had changed to a woodland owned by Dave Watson, this was great for Craig and I as it was 45 mins closer, we left early and we arrived at the woodland at 14.30, said hello to a the guys that had arrived unpacked the event shelter and set up hammocks.
Craig showed me around the woodland after, mainly made up of birch it's a stunning well managed woodland with a large craft area by a huge roundhouse,  his n hers composting toilet and an outside urinal reminiscent of the old fashioned french toilets, a second fire are with spacd enough for several large tents and debris shelters dotted around the place, some 10 years old.
Night came in quote quickly and everyone settled into the big roundhouse,  obviously lots of politically correct banter interspersed with a few grown up conversations were had.
During this time people ate dinner, with most folks cooking for themselves,  and folks started turning in from 21.00 although some of us stayed up 'really late'.
For some the Saturday started at stupid o'clock,  not me though 07.00ish was about right,  I had been warm and comfy in my hammock,  I checked with some of the other folks and it had been a mixed bag of sleep, some folks had been cold but almost everyone stayed dry except one fella who's hammock material appeared not to be breathable and woke rather damp.
After a coffee and breakfast Dave Watson went over the camp rules, and then had a wander around with a couple of guys he was mentoring he went over some of the fungi that he knew about in his woodland, I was lucky enough to tag along for some of this,  when everyone was collected back together we were given an excellent demo  of skinning a Muntjac Deer by David Mccrae, after this myself and a few other guys prepped the stew for the evening adding a variety of colourful veg.
Craig did a demonstration on friction fire lighting, that appeared to be very successful with everyone who tried actually getting a decent ember/coal.
I then spent the rest of the evening flitting between carving with Carl who was generous enough to have brought some willow for anyone who wanted some and Zarla who had also brought along some rabbits that had also gone into the stew and eggs, and I also kept dinner going.
About 2 hours after everyone started asking how long food would take it was ready, and I am pleased to say there was enough to go around all 20+ people (although it would have been a bonus if seconds had been available).
Again the evening was spent around the fire chatting.
On the Sunday morning coffee and a huge cooked breakfast were in order, then we had a look a some knives that were made by Hackett of Sherwood they were of excellent quality. 
It was then time to break camp and say goodbye to some of these fine folks.
Craig and I were amongst the last to leave.
On the way home we chatted about some of the things we had taken away with us other than some new friends,  we also had an invite to Scotland with David and another back to Dave's for some helping out work and had some new ideas for future Black Wolf courses.
All in all a cracking weekend.

(I'm aware I probably missed lots that happened and did not mention everyone who attended or even everyone I spoke too, it's not personal)

Bushcraft Club with Black Wolf Sept/Oct

I've had a great 4 weeks with Black Wolf.
Craig and I arranged a program for the school's intermediate bushcraft club.
We had arranged to take the lessons in two groups, year 7 and 8 on Thursday's and year 5 and 6 on Friday's.

Week 1 first lesson Thursday 11 September, after some discussion Craig finalised and emailed me an outline for the lesson, Tarpology with detailed knot work.
I arrived at Ashford train station and rang Darren to pick me up.
He then drove us to tbe school, the lesson went well although it was busy I felt I covered everything.
Darren dropped me back to the station after.
Second lesson Friday 12, Craig led this lesson I was surprised to see all the little bits that although I had covered were that much smoother.

Week 2 again I  ran the Thursday with Darrens support and Craig the Friday with me supporting,  we had arranged to do a more serious cutting tools lesson, again Craig had written a lesson plan.
I had brought a few extra bits in case I finished what looked like a lesson that I would complete in just over an hour, I did not get to use them as the lesson ran a few mins over.
To start with we went over how important it was to listen and follow instructions for safety, both days managed this really well, with one girl on the Thursday being particularly good with the axe.
And no injuries.

Week 3 FIRE, fire is awesome again this is a lesson we ran in the basic course, but this time we went into more detail, talking about how fire works, why we use it.
And then let them make fire in a variety of ways,  we finished with friction fire.

Week 4 was advanced knife skills, we took the kids through a thorough safety brief and once the kids started to use the knives Craig and I continued to talk about safety.
The kids made a tent peg, rounding off the top, pointing the end, creating a notch then putting in a split to take some cordage  that we then adapted to make a candle holder for the garden.
And another win, everyone still have all fingers.

Camp out
Craig and I left early with a shopping list for food and supplies.
As ever things took longer than expected we had planned on arriving at the school by 15.00 to give us time to set up and have a smooth evening.
We actually arrived at 15.30 (bloody trafic) still plenty of time but as ever with new kit it took us longer to set up than expected.
Craig went to collect the kids whilst I finished the last bits,  food prep etc.
The kids arrived with Craig and we went over the rules, stay within camp unless you need the toilet then ask permission and go in pairs,  no running in camp etc.
The kids settled in unpacking and playing games whilst I prepared dinner, burgers, hot dogs, onions and beans with cake for afters.
After dinner we cleared away, played some games, sang some songs and generally had fun, then we had hot chocolate and snacks.
By now it was getting late so we suggested that the kids settle themselves down for the evening, they found it difficult to settle and it was late/early before they did (this is not unusual for a first night).
The next day I got up early and started breakfast, of bacon and bannock (tasty tasty bannock),
After breakfast they packed away and we said goodbye with Craig walking them up to the car park,  when he got back we re tidied the camp and set off to get ourselves sorted for the next group.
When we arrived back a few hours later we had plenty of time to prep for the next group,  Craig finished sorting the camp, I prepped food for dinner and breakfast.
The kids unpacked when they arrived with their teachers.
We had a similar activity night with the kids, we settled the kids down and within an hour they were asleep, not long after so was I.
The next morning ran smoothly,  breakfast and the kids packing away, we then packed the camp down on good order, as I had my regular job to get to so obviously leaving took longer than expected.
The teachers got us a bottle of wine each as a gift for a nice camp.
Craig and I chatted on the way home,  all in the camp was a great success, with some lessons learned and some great experience.
The future for Black Wolf is all a learning experience, with plans then adaptations being made after each course to ensure smoother running and better lessons for the future.

29th Aug to 2nd Sept 2014

Away with work again, back in a cottage on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, I've been here quite regularly and all I can say is WOW the scenery is always amazing at any time of year.
Went for a walk to collect some wood for some carving,  but whilst out we decided to see what was up a mountain we were walking past, it was extremely steep through some extremely thick undergrowth, I knew that just over the ridge was a pathway,  about half way I thought we would be turning back, but decided it would be more difficult to go back than continue, we then had a long looping pathway back.
I decided that after such a strenuous walk we would not be carving as it requires a lot of physical and mental control and we were knackered, so,we collected some tinder,  and made a fire in the garden back at the cottage with the plan to make a cake in my dutch oven, after the fire had been burning for about an hour I took the coals and put them on the dutchy, but the ground was still so wet it drew all the heat out, somwe ended up finishing the cake in the oven.
And sat down for a warm pineapple upside down cake whils stargazing.

August 2014

Summer holidays this  month so not had any work with school bushcraft clubs.
Had 2 days at the woods with young people, one who was experiencing their first foray into the woods, they seemed shocked that people would eat food that was actually growing, they also used a sling and had some food cooked.
The other was with a young person who has done been out a few times, we are working towards her being able to expand their CV with outdoor experience that they could take into furure work, we worked on natural navigation and making cordage.
I aslo had an afternoon carving with 2 other young people, starting on a project to carve an animal, both managing knife techniques that had previously eluded them, ie using the chest lever cut.

26.07.14 Carving Continues

Today I had a few hours spare so thought I would continue with my carving projects.

First I wiped down the oiled kitchen utensils that I had started to make the other week, I spent about an hour sanding them (basically till I got bored) wiped them clean again, sanded some more the lightly reoiled them and put them into a plastic bag.

I then carved down a crook from from a branch, stripped the bark and carved it down a little to make a slingshot, got to order some elastic and lead shot now to give it a try.
I've been meaning to make one of these for the last two years now, and always got sidetracked, but with all the Lime wood I had collected recently from a pollarded tree, I chose a piece with this in mind, I'm just left hoping that once dry it will be strong enough.
Gave this a light coating of oil and added it to the utensils.

I then returned to the figure I've been carving recently, and spent about an hour tidying up some cuts, shaving bits here and there and have now got to a stage that I'm happy with.
So I added him to the bag (I have a feeling I will go back to him though).

I completed all the carving using the TBS Boar folding knife, no blisters this time although the carving was not so heavy, since doing the heavy carving with the knife I have gave it a strop and it redonculously sharp again.

19.07.14 Thornden/Blean Woods

 I had arranged to take a young person to the woods for a Bushcraft activity, we had spoken about this upon occasion through the week.
When we left the house to go we stopped off and purchased some bits for the activity, we shopped to a budget for lunch, on the trip there we spoke about the plans and what particular activities she would like to do.
We arrived and went in a different direction than usual finding a place to stop after walking for a while, I showed the young person several navigational methods as we walked and explored the new area, when we stopped we made a drink and I showed them how to make a bracelet out of grass, they struggled to get the hang of it put persevered for about an hour before I suggested that we try this again some other time, and gave them the one I had made, we had some lunch of Noodles, Pancetta and Onion, before packing up and attempting to find out way back to the car we followed the track most of the way using a reverse of the story we had created whilst walking in but then lost direction as we did not start the story until we were quite a way in to start with so I explained some other natural navigation techniques we could use, pointing out were the sound of the road was this meant that we knew roughly which way to travel and we also knew that at some point we would come across a larger track that would lead us back to the car, I cut a walking stick for the young person and we followed this method taking us back in short order.
 Once back we went to a part of the woodland that we thought we knew and found it had recently been changed to a sensory walk with carvings and things in the woodland so we followed these stopping for another drink, I taught the young person how to make a fire using flint and steel, again they found this difficult but managed it eventually blowing a bundle of dry grass into flame, that we put out immediately as it has been so dry, we were using a Trangia to cook with rather than an open fire.
On the way home we spoke about what we had leant that day, covering natural navigation, tree identification and some uses for them, cooking, how to budget for shopping etc, planning for different eventualities, and even finishing the day with clearing away and the next plan in mind, with all this being covered in how we had planned the day and may even be able to help their future.


18.07.14 Carving Continued...

Next stage of carving kitchen utensils set has been underway, as I split the wood I found some noice staining in the grain, I decided to go with this hoping that it does not split out as it dries.
I started with the spatula, then the spoon followed by the butter knife, I mainly used the TBS Boar folding knife, it was beautiful to carve with managing every cutting technique I could think of, towards the end of the carving session a blister showed up and I also used the Ben Orford crook knife for the bowl of the spoon.
 Once I finished this stage of carving, I have soaked them in oil, I will leave them for all of Saturday and Sunday, then dry them then re sand them on Monday and soak in oil again till the end of next week, then gradually dry them out.

11.07.14 WiseUp School Course

Been running a school course today with Craig, both working for WiseUp. 
Had 20 kids working in 2 groups of 10, I ran two water lectures/workshops and 2 paracord bracelet workshops, Craig did fire and shelter. 
My water session was even more comfortable than last time and easily filled an hour each.
The paracord workshops were almost rushed as all the kids want to be able to make on and no one wants to wait, so quickly added "wait and watch" into my patter.

10.07.14 Carving Project

I have started a project of carving some kitchen utensils for somebody I know who is moving into their own flat soon, today I made a start on it making a small dipping ladle.

I have a few more to carve over the next few days, a spatula, spoon and a butter knife.

06.07.14 Kids home carving

One of the kids I work with asked me to help them make a gift for someone, I arranged to being in my carving set and luckily a tarp or two as it rained,  we drew up some designs and decided to carve a mushroom, I went through a full knife safety lesson.
We used a piece of Lime branch, I showed her each technique using my TBS Boar folding knife and helped with any questions.
She worked very hard and concentrated all the way through using a selection of knives.

The pictures shown are the one I made.

27.06.14 WiseUp school course and Bushcraft Club with Black Wolf Survival

Stayed at Craigs last night due to an early start today, he drove us to an east London school where WiseUp had organised a bushcraft day course with 4 work stations, one covering Fire, another Shelter, Water and Paracord Brackets.
Richard who runs WiseUp arranged for me to run the water station, with the plans for each session to run for an hour, I had not led this course for over a year so read up on my old notes and remembered as much as I could from the session we ran with the bushcraft club recently.
I covered all the points on the first session, but felt I'm presented it in a slightly disjointed manner, but from there each one improved until session 4 felt very smooth.
I'm hoping to do some more sessions with these guys soon.

We went straight from there to Tunbridge Wells for the last session from the bushcraft club that we had been running, we found that most of year 6 were not going to be attending this week as they had just got back from a week away and we thought that this might impact on the rest of the group as this year group had no been an integral part of this course, but what an exciting week it turned out to be, the kids did a treasure hunt, finding items in the woodland finishing with the kids making a picture of me or Craig out of natural materials (see attached photo).
After we had organised certificates for each of them, the kids loved these and applauded each other when they were given out.
As we went to drop the kids back various parents asked if we were running more of these courses as they all said there kids had really enjoyed it.
Craig has been in continuous contact with the school and it look like we will be running a more advanced course in September for year 5 and 6 of 4 weeks and an overnighter in there woodland, another course next year for years 2, 3 and 4 aimed at being more playful and working with the senior school running a more advanced course to run alongside there curriculum.
So although we were sorry to see this course finish it has left us both with a lot of hope for future adventures.
I would also like to thank Craig and his Mrs Jo from Black Wolf Survival for asking me to help him out with this course, and running me around especially in the lats few weeks without a car, collecting me from the train station etc.

20.06.14 Bushcraft Club with Black Wolf Survival

Busy one this week, still using the train to get to Craig, when Craig arrived at the train station he said he had to pick something up from the post office, it turned out to be a TBS BOAR folding knife that he gave to me for the extra help I had given during this club, full review will be made once I've abused it for a while.
We had planned on doing navigation with the kids so after discussing specifics we collected the kit together and left, arriving early at the school to set up.
Once all the kids were here we talked about navigation, and different methods that could be used.
Then took them around the activities showing them a sun stick, with a marker on its shadow, then when we stopped off at this at the end, marked again at the next shadow placed your right foot on the first marker left on the second, this leaves you facing south(ish).
Next we took them to a giant circle explained that we were demonstrating a clock face and demonstrated the hour hand and the sun to give direction.
Then to a load of tin foil plates laid out as the big dipper star shape and explained how to find the north star.
Lastly we took them to the running track and worked out how many paces they each do in a hundred meters, then asked them to work out how many meters back to the playground where their parents collect them,  they did very well with this, most getting within 20 metres.

http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/tbs-boar-folding-pocket-knife---matt-black-micarta---perfect-edc-knife-16343-p.asp

13.06.14 Bushcraft Club with Black Wolf Survival

As my car is now extinct, I got the train to Ashford then was picked up, we dropped back to Craigs house to prep for the day as the school had contacted him and asked if we could do today's lesson in  two groups as 12 of them had a drama production to attend, so after checking and packing the kit we left for the first group of 12 and we're ready for them by lunchtime.
The class went very well, teaching the kids how to make a basic water filter using a plastic bottle, cotton wool, coffee filter, charcoal and gravel (we were going to add sand as well but found it discoloured the water).
After the lunchtime club we went into town for our lunch then came back an did Safeguarding Children Training with the deputy head, this was something I had done previously but it's always good to update as although their is a standardisation with this training their is also individual adaptations for the environment such as in this case a whole section for external teachers within the school.
We then did the second half of the club with the remaining children, this also went well, and over the lessons we were able to explain about waterborne diseases etc, and describe other ways to make water safe, also the importance of hydration and dangers of dehydration.
To demonstrate dirty water we used tap water with some twigs in and added glitter this demonstrated very well as when the water had drained through we were able to take the filters apart and look at the glitter and how far it got through.
The only issue with the glitter thing is that glitter is EVIL and I look like a disco queen and probably will for days after.

06.06.14 Bushcraft Club with Black Wolf Survival

Getting ready for another week of bushcraft club, I arrived at Darrens house early, Craig was away with other commitments so Darren and I said we would run this week, Darren drove to the school and we checked out the area for the class as it was a glorious sunny day, either in the wooded area or over to the benches, upon checking the benched area was nice and shaded surrounded by trees.
Once we collected all the kids we showed them that we were making cobra stitch survival bracelets, we had 45 kids this week and after Darren demonstrated how to make them with me talking through it we let them have a go, the next hour was extremely hectic, with Darren and I starting off and helping nearly everyone, a few of the kids got the hang of it quickly and they helped out as well so by the end of the club nearly everyone had a bracelet and those few that had not had friends that would help them during the week.
On the way home Darren and I chatted we will arrange with Craig to get out for a personal overnighter away from kids, Craig rang us and told us that he had received an email from the school they had said today had gone very well.
Happy with that.

Back at Darrens I jumped into my car to drive for some other work, about half way a knocking noise started from the engine, then BOOM my exhaust blew out and tons of smoke started to billow out, I pulled over to the hard shoulder and the engine was definitely not happy steaming and smoking away.
I turned off the engine, the car was dead, 4 hours later my father in law dropped me home. Will have to have the next few months without a car, until work picks back up.

23.05.14 Bushcraft Club with Black Wolf Survival

I missed last weeks club due to prior commitmnts, but Craig had arranged for someone else to stand in as they ran through different methods of making fire.
Club this week was great, we planned on doing fire 2.0, after some discussion before it started we decided that if we split the group into 2 we could manage a fire each with 20+ kids each.
We got all the kids to pair up and then split the pairs, this sounds a bit mean but it ment that kids that usually get very excited being alongside each other were split, giving us more manageable groups.
We each gave a fire lecture, this normally lasts about 20 mins but we thought as they were so young we would make it a bit shorter to keep their attention, after half hour of lecturing (they asked so many good questions) we cut it short and got them preparing the fire, we had built the fire with a cord tired above so when it got to a certain height it was ready, they all had a go at putting wood onto the fire then, we got out the marshmallows (we had told them that this was not happening).
They all ate these toasted with a biscuit before going back for their parents, I'm pleased to say, no one got burnt on this week.
Another successful club, on the way home we discussed the plans for the last few weeks, we have a week off next week due to half term then back on it.

17.05.14 Flint Knapping with Will Lord

Got my late birthday present from the wife today, went to Natural Pathways site and met with Will Lord for a day of flint knapping, to start with he showed us some basic techniques then let us have a bash whilst spending time with each of us, I made a couple of hand axes and some arrow heads, although only one arrow head was any good the hand axes cane out well.
Taking on loads of information such as how to create a platform, the best position to rest the flint whilst knap, and different tool use.
Photos to follow.

09.05.14 with Black Wolf Survival

Week 2 of the bushcraft club, shelters mk2, this week the kids were a little more boisterous as we expected, we demonstrated how to build a kennel shelter and had some kits made up of a ridge pole and 2 y-poles, then split the kids into groups they then built small shelters, once they finish we put a sheet of paper with a person drawn on it and then tested it for waterproof by pouring a cup of water onto the shelter, of the 6 shelters, 2 were dry, 2 a bit damp and 2 soaked, the kids also made beds inside, parking spaces and one a helicopter pad.

03.05.14 Stacey and Andrew Wedding

My friend got married the other day, she has shown some interest in bushcraft and was looking to book her fella onto a basic course, so I sorted out a present for them.

His n Hers Mora Knives and an invitation for a weekend out with me as an instructor, I must admit I'm looking forward to this weekend.

02.04.14 with Black Wolf Survival

Been offered some work with Black Wolf Survival working at a private school in Tunbridge Wells, starting off a Bushcraft Club consisting of 46 children from 6 to 10 year's old, we and taught them how to put up a simple lean to shelter, splitting them into 6 groups they then ran around screaming and having fun for the rest of the hour, with Craig and I helping out with knots etc, at the end they had put up a sheltea adding walls, making sleeping quarters, chairs etc, with one group even adding a wooden telephone for emergencies.
Early feedback from the school has been very positive.

25 to 27.04.14 Camp Blaze with Beef

I planned on packing on the 22nd, this was put off for a few days due to other family commitments and WORK, so I did not get to pack until the morning of the 25th, so I planned on packing for us both and Beef could then just add his clothes when he got home from school, which he did.
We left around 17.00 and was off to the woods, arriving around 17.30 leaving a note in the window BADGER WATCHING, then the walk through to camp, that we did in two runs taking kit first then back for food, water and a few extra bits only stopping to check on the wild gnomes.
Once at camp we cleared the fire and set up the fire pit, tarp, chairs and I left Beef gettng the cooking kit out while I put up the hammocks and monster tarp, it was not until this point that I realised I had not packed any extra cordage (I remember picking up the cordage bag, then I must have just put it back, idiot), so I robbed cord from Peter to pay Paul, this has ensured I now need to replace lots of cord.
After the camp was set we set about collecting fire wood and got it lit before 20.00.
We sat and I cooked us some calzone bushcraft pizzas then sat chatting into the evening,getting into the hammock was one of the worst experiences of my hammocking life, I could not get comfortable the sleeping bag would not stay in, I ended up waking every hour to sort myself out.
The next morning Beef sorted breakfast on the meths burner, warm croissants n coffee, we then went for a wander looking at various plants, finding a what I think was a satellite Badger set, we also collected some green wood to make a few bows with and when we got back to Camp we had lunch then fashioned two bows, the my one snapped after 2 shots, Beef was working on another that I helped with this one was getting better and we were working on extending the pull (tillering) before this too snapped, we then collected some more wood and processed it before it got dark, at dusk we left to see if there was any further sign of the badgers getting back to Camp unsuccessful after dark.
I cooked again in the evening curry n rice very noice, and again chatted, we turned in earlier this time (even after faffing about with the hammock I still could not get comfortable) as I had set my alarm to wake me at 03.00 so we could go for a night walk, we did this with our wool blankets wrapped around us as it was getting cold, we again looked for badgers (unsuccessfully) listened to the sounds of the night and walked to the edge of the wood to watch the stars, getting back to Camp a few hours later and went back to bed, this time I got comfortable pretty quick and we slept in till nearly 09.00.
Beef sorted breakfast again Bacon wraps went for another walk we then packed up and left, leaving in one trip as without food n water the packs were more manageable.
We eventually saw a Badger on the way home (roadkill), Beef was happy, we spent a lot of the weekend laughing and read a book to each other at night, we have 3 chapters left to finish at some point, we also used reference books to try to identify trees and plants with some success.
When we got home Beef said it was the best weekend of his life, leaving me a very happy dad.

Enjoy the pics
http://s1136.photobucket.com/user/HatMa ... ith%20Beef

April 2014 Kit Organisation

Well I've been at this Bushcraft lark a few years now, and I thought it was about time I sorted my kit.
Well here it is on two shelves.



Left hand unit 
Top two shelves
cooking equipment, stoves, utensils, cutlery n crockery, storage containers, food etc.
Third shelf down
Fire, first aid, hygiene, cordage, lights, flint knapping, binoculars, whistles n compasses, odds n sods
Bottom shelf
Tools, axes, saws, files, knives, carving kit, sharpening equipment etc

Right hand unit
Top shelf
Overflow box, heavy duty plastic bags, NBC suit, bits of carving.
Second shelf 
Wooden equipment, traps, bow drill, tinder, twatting stick, etc, books on bushcraft and related subjects, maps.
Bottom three shelves
Sleeping bags, roll mats, hammocks, tarps, blankets and bivvy bag.

Not in shot
Heavy duty iron cookware, rucksacks n bags, clothing n boots, tent n camp beds.

Also I have made up 2 packs for the car, one for emergencies and the other for whenever I feel like a day out.

Recently I sorted out my Bushcraft Kit, clearing, organising and tidying it onto shelves, I thought this would make it easier for me to pack, making it less likely for me to forget something.

10.04.14 Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve

Wifey and I planned on having an adventure to Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, we have intended to go here for the last few years but have not managed it for no reason at all (although we did drive to the car park last year to check on parking prices).
As I was packing a kit to take, Hobo stove, frying pan, tarp etc etc etc, I had a thought, it ran along 2 lines, Wifey enjoys the fact that I enjoy bushcraft but has no real passion for it herself, also lighten my load, so I changed what I packed, 1litre flask of tea, bottle of water, cutting board, food prep knife and a wool blanket, for food we took, cheese and crackers, and a cake.
Also in the front pocket of my daypack I had my first aid kit, radio, small amount of cordage, hand sanitiser, and a compass.
The walk was beautiful, along a stretch of coastal wetland, filled with a variety of birds, butterflies, and even Exmoor ponies, we didn't see longhorn cattle and some wild sheep also near to the mouth of the river Stour apparently there are seals, so next time we visit we will take some binoculars and a better camera.
We walked for nearly 5 miles as a round trip stopping twice to sit and eat and on the way out stopped for an ice cream all in all we had a memorable day.

http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/res ... egwell-bay

19.03.14 to 20.03.14 Camp Blaze

Well day after my birthday, let's get out and play with my new toys.
I had every intention of packing and leaving by 10am for a solo camp, but you know how it is, kids off to school, start packing, cook dinner for kids tonight, one of your kids is ill, look after her, visitors arrive and can't get rid of the for an hour etc etc.
On the way I drove past a joke waiting to be created...
...A Pheasant, a Fox and a Badger dead at the side of the road...
Anyway arrive at the woods at 14.30 (not bad) stick my pack on and walk to Camp Blaze, the woodland looks beautiful in the early stages coming to life, I start to shoot a video explaining my load, and my camera decides it's not going to work oh well, still can do a vid with pictures.
Make a coffee using new coffee pot (wow tasty), dismantle the fire place and reassemble into a working fire, collect some wood for fire and carving and chill for a bit, set up camp, get the fire going and put on my new digital radio (BBC Radio 6 Music, win).
Dinner is a Lamb Jalloffee (damn I can cook), I have a few beers, chill some more and turn in. 
I wake early before its light, and lay in my hammock watching the sunrise, listening to the dawn chorus and get up about 07.30, have brew or 2, pack most of my kit, have breakfast, and then sit to do some carving after 10 mins (woops, I slice into my thumb) clamp down and wrap that up, time to leave (boo was not planning on this till the afternoon.
Any way off home, great time in the woods and the thumbs not too bad.

I forgot to add, when I got up on 20.03.14 I checked my phone and had a missed call from the police, they left a message Saying my car had been left in a woodland car park (phew), I rang back and said I was Badger watching (kind of true, had a Badger on my beer).

Oh also forgot to thank Paul for his first aid kit advice.
Something like put together his FAK then put in the biggest bandage he could, this made it much easier for my thumb, as when I sliced it I was able to get it out of my kit easily and use it.
Must replace it now.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Adw0FG3BpQ8

08.03.14 and 16.03.14 Herne Bay Woodland

Been to the woods twice with a kids home, making camps and using a compass and natural navigation in local woodlands.

Risk Assessments and Paperwork

Been spending quite a bit of time writing risk assessments, and creating new bushcraft programs for kids in care.
Using therapeutic thinking around the organisation from initial meeting through to required outcomes, a variety of activities and then to follow through with an assessment of the expedition.

01.03.14 Woodland near Rye

Out for a walk in woodland, using Binoculars to look at a variety of birds, pigeons, robins and various tits, also taught the folks with me to use a sling, we also made a children's bow.
Finished off with a cup of tea.

Feb 2014, Wales

Just got back from 8 days in Wales, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, I can't go into too much detail as I was working, I spent two days building a lean to shelter, it worked out well, we were able to use it to be comfortable for lunch whilst I poured down, we cooked on slate to prevent fire as we were in a pine woodland.
We also spent an evening carving Tiki Heads, this went very well with everyone making a successful carving.
On the last day I was packing up and dropped my axe, I stupidly attempted to catch it, luckily I missed and only grabbed the blade of my bow saw, this left me with some holes in my hand.

17.01.14

After going to the quacks earlier in the week the stronger anti-inflamitories and pain killers gave me the confidence to go further.
I picked up Mo (whom I had met through YouTube) and we went to Thornden Woods, its been teeming down here for ages now, the pathways were flooded out, so we bushwacked through taking a very wobbly route in.
I planned on doing some more flint knapping and possibly making a bow, but with all the extra walking ran out of time, Mo asked lots of questions about the wood and vairious thing in it, I was quite suprised at how much I knew.
A couple of things of note, the amount of water has created some new streams and ponds, I will be interested to see how quickly they dissappear when it dries out, also and definitely the most astonishing to me, the wood ants seem to have gone and been gone for some time, with sign of rabbits etc using them for toilets, so temperature does not affect them (I've been when it's been -10, snowing and they have still been active) but tons of water does.
Mo then made his first fire in the woods, taking some pointers from me (he was as happy as a pig in s**te, it reminded me of doing this with PDF).
Rather than trying to follow out the flooded path we followed the stream out to the road.

16.01.14 Montifiore Woodland

Wifey and I decided to go out for lunch, we drove to a spot near the beach but as the weather was very blowy we decided to goto a woodland, again ending up at Montifiore, I cooked on a gas stove (pasta, rvioli and chopped tomatoes) the food was noice the stove s**te, we then had another mooch around before coming home.

12.01.14 Montifiore Woodland

It's the end of a week off from work, I planned on getting out for at least an overnigher, but due to injuring my shoulder had put off going out till today. I have had to decide that I could just make it to local woods (Montifiore Woodland), I had a mooch around, made a brew and knapped my first arrow head using the knapping kit my wife got me for xmas, before coming home.

Catch Up Overview...

The last 3 posts have not had much detail in them, most of the trips and things me tined in the Catch Up section have YouTube vids available on my YouTube channel MrHatManS.

I have not mentioned many of the colourful characters I met, or talked through a lot of the actual activities and amazing experiences I've had whilst on camps.

If anyone has any questions about any of these posts or would just like some more clarification please feel free to comment.

Catch up Cont...2013

2013 started much the same as 2012 ended with only getting a days here and there out, then in March I went back to the Bushcraft Company for the Unit Leader Training where we had an intensive 10 day course on bushcraft and all its vairious skills, after the course and a lengthy conversation with my wife I decided that I would not do too many courses for them, this was mainly for family and financial reasons, I cooked for a few camps and led a couple throughout the year.
Then in June I went on the Stoneage Bushcraft Canoe Meet, again new experiences from the canoeing to the type of kit and how it's packed.
At this time Wifey was showing some interest again in what I'm was doing and we decided that we would start to have some adventures walking out and about in the local area.
I then continued with my knife project profiling the blade thanks to Paul de Fitter giving me some files (I've still not made a forge).
In October we had another East Kent meet.
2013 was a relatively quiet year for my Bushcrafting, but I still made 20 odd days dirt time.

Catch up Cont...2012...

2012  started with my first snow hang (extreme hammock camping) with the temps getting down as low as -10, then preparation for a planned lightweight camp, where we were limited on how much kit we could take, made doubly difficult by budget constraints and with it still only being March the temps were not as warm as possible.
Soon after this meet I decided I would like to make my own bushcraft knife, I started the project by making a load of sketches and getting the steel with the intention of profiling the blade at in short order.
I had some more time out with my kids Jamie and Mooka.
In May my life changed dramatically when I got a job with the Bushcraft Company, who mainly teach bushcraft to schools, the position was as a Tribe Leader but after my first few experiences  I decided that I would rather focus on the cooking side of this and spent the next 3  months cooking over open fires and had the best summer of working of my life, over the schools summer holidays I helped out in the warehouse sorting kit this really helped me think about what kind of kit I carry and pack personally.
Whilst at the warehouse I wild camped throughout the week, giving me loads of experience on erecting and taking down a camp with speed.
This carried on until September when the Bushcraft Company season finished, I did not get out much for the rest of 2012 just spending the occasional day here and there out.

Catch up Continued...2011...

Well the rest of 2011 consisted of a Stoneage Bushcraft Family Meet at Seaford, attended for a day and night by Claire (Wifey) and Amy (fave eldest daughter) and the next two days by Lee (fave eldest son) Jamie/Beef (fave youngest son), Mia/Mooka (fave youngest daughter).
Vairious trips to the woods with my kids individually, solo camps, and practising skills in my garden, including Carving with Mooka, Fire making with Beef, who made his first fire using flint and steel, and a meet with Paul de Fitter where I took my daughter Mia and he took his Granddaughter Mia (unrelated), they built a camp with all mod cons including an internet chat room.
Another Stoneage Bushcraft Meet at Leith Hill and the first SBEKWCB (Stoneage Bushcraft East Kent Wicked Christmas Bash)
The learning curve was extremely steep this year, learning about different ways to lay a fire specific uses, using sharp tools, basic carving of green wood for different projects, also projects at home such as making a Hobo Stove.
It was a massively exiting year learning new things and completely reigniting a passion for the outdoors.

Catch up

Sorry I've been away so long, but I thought I should come back and update you on my bushcraft life.
I thought first I should let you know why this mood and comeback has happened, last week I visited my Nan whom I have not seen for some time shes 94 now and will be moving to a new home soon, as quite often happens to grandchildren when they visit grandparents they leave with a gift, my nan gave me a file that she had some old correspondence's in, when I got home I looked through it, some of it was boring stuff such as old utility bills etc, but some of it was a revelation, there were letters and stories she had written about her life, these got me thinking, I found them so interesting, even my children (who as is the want of children find history boring) sat in wrapped silence while I read about some of her experiences.
So now we get to the self centred part what if any of my kids show an interest in me when I get old(er), perhaps I should leave them something.

As some of you will know I have a terrible memory, so to help with the last 3 years I will use the vids from my YouTube channel and photo's as well.
With luck and maybe a bit of rambling, some of it wont be in order and some will be as I think I remember it (this can occationally be a bit dubious).

I'm sure I went on a meet before my first vid as upon I have some kit that was a gift from Canoe Joe, the trip I met him on was a Stoneage Bushcraft meet, with Mike Dixon, Paul DeFitter, Migs and Canoe Joe we met at Leith Hill and had an adventurous few days.

On 3rd of Sept 2011 I made a firelighting vid, I had been sent some gifts by Canoe Joe mainly comprising of a firelighting kit/tin.
http://youtu.be/9zFFcPUFvks
Ye gods I've just rewatched this vid, I remember at the time being so proud of my  firelighting skills, looking at it now I can see so many mistakes, it appears to have been more luck than judgement that it worked (I may end up remaking some of these vids).