A bit about me.
I have had an interest in wilderness survival for around 30 years. I have always had a real desire to learn more and to share my knowledge and skills .
As a kid, What I really wanted, was to be outside like some sort of adventurer, making dens, damming up a streams, or exploring woodland. In Scouts, and later Venture scouts thankfully some of these desires were fulfilled , but my real interest in teaching survival started when I saw "Duncan Dares" with Lofty Wiseman.
Video clip
Over the years I worked in many different jobs from office work, and camping shops, to the Territorial army and several outdoor activity companies as an activity instructor.
I've always had an interest in outdoor gadgets and equipment
I used to collect small survival bits and pieces to carry in a tobacco tin (like Lofty Wiseman), such as a pen knife, matches, a fishing kit etc.
This turned into a hobby which continues today. I enjoy adding strange and interesting survival items sometimes found in Army surplus shops or carboot sales which I can display at my demonstrations. These include a floating cork handled knife, a silk map, and a compass so small you can hide it inside a button amongst other amazing things!
My skills have been carefully learned over the last 30+years This comes from years of research, many hours of practice, trial and error.
I have also learned how to make the best use of the tools and equipment I have, and how to make my some of my own.
These are some of the qualifications I have gained over the years
- Enhanced DBS
- College Of West Anglia – Diploma in Outdoors Activities.
- NVQ level 2 activity leadership
- MLTB mountain leader training
- Open College Network – 3 credits level 2 woodland survival skills (Bushcraft).
- John Muir award (teaching ecology)
- BTCV Day Project leadership course.
- BTCV Coppicing level one
- BTCV Introduction to woodland management
- BTCV Introduction to health and safety
- BTCV Introduction to tree felling with hand tools
- BTCV Scrub clearance with hand tools
- BTCV species identification – Summer
- SPA training (teaching rock climbing)
- BCU canoe safety test
- Voluntary Hostels Group – Substance abuse training.
- City & Guilds Profile of Achievement (Princes trust).
- Royal Anglian Regiment TA infantry training.