Surviving!

Loch Morlich - beside Glenmore campsite

Got to say thanks to Will and Nikki for the ideas you shared for Forest Survival while we were at Keldy. Over the past few weeks I've been gradually adding more to my sessions. Now after our shelter building I introduce the fire plough. After everyone has tried that, I produce the fire steel and cotton wool from my survival kit and we all try that on a large stone.

Having shown the survival kit I then share the contents of this and discuss water purification, etc. We try out the wire saws (I bought a second one to supplement the one in my survival tin) and most folks are amazed at the efficiency of that; in fact, over the past couple of weeks we managed to create more pine branches for our shelters by shortening some of the numerous fallen branches that were too big. I show how to make a handle for the bow saw by using a piece of green-ish wood (from a freshly fallen branch) as in this video. I realise that as this wood dries it is going to break instead of bending, so I test it for 'flex' each week before using it.

We all try the pine needle tea that I make up the previous day and allow to brew in my flask all night.

Like you, Will I too have people ask where they can buy Survival Tins. I love doing Forest Survival sessions now - they're such fun!

I'm really enjoying learning new bushcraft skills and am exploring ideas in my own time. I've made a hobo woodburning stove that I'll use when wild camping in suitable (safe) places and have learnt knotting to make a paracord (survival) bracelet.

The height of Ranger fashion!