View Full Version : Reviews of Bushcraft/Survival Courses
I've just read a review of Ray Mears' Fundamentals course on the British Blades site (at http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1075), that I found interesting, especially as I'm going to do the course in 2005 (I know, ages away - don't ask :cry: :roll: ).
Anybody prepared to offer reviews or advice about other courses?
Yes, I'm a newbie :oops:
Ted W
AntarcticFire
03-10-2003, 20:00
I'll be doing a survival course at Southdowns Survival School in two weeks,
so I'll let you know how it goes! :-)
~AF.
jatherton
22-10-2003, 08:24
Hi,
I have never done a course with ray mears. The best company that I have ever done a course with is Natural Pathways, I did a two part tracking course with them, it was amazing!
What courses have other people really enjoyed?
Cheers,
Joel :wink:
MartiniDave
22-10-2003, 08:45
I have done the Introduction to Bushcraft at Woodlore, and consider myself fortunate that Ray Mears instructed elements of that course himself.
To say I enjoyed it would be serious understatement. I'm booked to do the Fundamental course next year, again with Woodlore, but I don't think Ray will be there for that one.
Dave
I did the "Woodsense and Tracking" course in May, and it's safe to say that it was the highlight of my year to date. I found the pace good, information presented in a useful way and the 5 hour tracking excercise on the Saturday exhausting! Ray and Juha did the majority of the teaching, With Woody coming in to help out on the Thursday.
Not only did I learn a lot on the course (and have tried to pass the info on to the Scouts in the troop I run), but Ray also helped me with techniques to combat a panic reaction to woods at night that I have experienced in the past. I've had no problems in this area since then (including this last weekend when myself and a mate did some backwoods camping in the middle of a wood).
Given the opportunity, I'd do more Woodlore courses, but I'd also like to try some of the other companies as well.
Have done the fundemental and the camp craft, both really good courses, yuha, ben (and you too gary) were fantastic tutors
would very much like to do ben's plantlore course but domestic situation doesn't allow at present
sarahjane my daughter has done the kiddy fundemental which she thoroughly enjoyed and sam will be booked for 2005
as well as all the 'woodcraft' skills you recieve i feel that you also grow on a personal level too, kinda spiritual?
I have been lucky enough to have done a few Woodlore courses now. Fundamental, Campcraft (where I came across Ally :wink: ) and Primative Technology.
Cant recommend them enough, and the people on the courses have been a good friendly bunch.
I am tempted to do a course with some other company - i will just have to find one that looks good that fits in with the school hols for my other half. But life has seen me needing to get some other qualifications - watch out for a review of a course that I did earlier in the month (toil, toil)
Rob
That wouldn't be the one at a certain educational establishment where 'the cows play in the woods' - would it?!! :lol:
Bob :-D
Cows in the woods? I have seen some on field shoots, but maybe i just missed them :-)
The place I went did have lots of ducks running about tho :wink:
Ally your easily impressed obviously! :-D But I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Rob
'the cows play in the woods'
Bob :-D
those cows were a pain! hows the cordage!! :shock:
Man! What about the cows :wink:
Think I must have missed something :-)
Hi Ross
The cordage is coming along fine - weaned myself off it after about 30ft of nettle!! Looking forward to the next session (think I might need thermals this time though!) :shock:
Lets hope the cows behave themselves this time !!!! (that'll make the others think!!!) :lol:
Bob :-D
Roving Rich
21-11-2003, 11:29
Moooooooo!? :wink:
I've done 2 courses with Woodsmoke which were quite simply life changing, having watched the likes of Les Hiddens and Mr Mears on the TV it was fantastic to get to do rather than watch, the days were packed but not too much and the delivery of information was excellent, the enthusiasm that Ben and Lisa have for the subject really comes across, you meet people that might know the latin name for a plant or tree but how many can give you the in depth knowledge of how it can be used and even it's place in norse mythology. I did Woodsmokes Nomad course back in september, 100 kilimometres from helvellen down to the coast carrying all you will need and learning all the way not just about bushcraft but about your own limitations and strengths, if you've do a fundemental type course it is a great next step, I couldn't recommend Woodsmoke highly enough!
simply brilliant. :-D
Hi Guys
I'm new to this - not the outdoors, but this kind of topic site.
I'm intrigued!
How many companies in Britain are there? Who are they? Where are they?
I' m thinking of signing up on the UK Survival School 2004 Jungle skills trip - and i'm meeting them next week, can't wait, wanted to go to a jungle for along time now and thier programme looks fantastic. Any advice is welcome.
www.uksurvivalschool.co.uk
Paul :-D
Fallow Way
10-12-2003, 20:26
I have attended Fundamental, Woodsense (tracking) and the Ardeche expedition with Woodlore. I’m also booked up for Birch Bark and Camp Craft courses (one the week after the other), primitive Technology and Journeyman. Also hoping to get on their Arctic course in the next year or so.
Can not recommend them enough, very helpful with any questions you have and thoroughly pleasant people to boot.
giancarlo
10-12-2003, 21:21
Read this one today of a Woodsmoke course.
(by our very own Sargey?)
http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=124
Good read i thought.. bit too visual in some places though ;)
cheers
Carlo
David Evans
11-12-2003, 10:47
Hello All
F.A.O. Paul Mac
I did the Borneo jungle with THE UK SURVIVAL SCHOOL a few years ago, fantastic experience, well organised & well lead. They are agreat bunch to learn with and a no nonsense company.
You are right - on a previous thread about companies in the uk doing overseas training, there is the experience here and this company is up there at the top.
Enjoy your visit to them next week and go for it.
David
bushblade
11-12-2003, 17:12
Giancarlo, thanks for providing the link to Sargey's review, I hadn't realised he'd done that. Brought back a lot of great memories.
Sargey, if you're out there you've put a smile on my face mate :-D
nice working/learning with you.
Will
I think Sargey must have perfected his yarn telling by spending too much time near the campfire :wink:
Hi David
Thankyou for taking the time to respond to my previous request about the UK Survival school.
I see what you mean - I'm spending a day with them in Wales next week, they asked me to dress for the outdoors and not a "mercenary audition",
they have finished their courses this year but are putting in a lot of internal training up to the new year when they go to Norway to work with the Norwegian army and the Sami people in Finmark- now that also sounds good, but I bet it's cold.
I will let you know how I get on - have you done any other stuff and can you give me some tips for the jungle?
Regards & thanks,
Paul Mac
Hi Guys, On my pursuit for training courses and one or two companies keep "cropping" up on this forum, has anyone any experience of the following?
www.breakawaysurvival.co.uk
www.survival.fslife.co.uk
www.i-survive.co.uk
And what on earth did the chap who got a "write off "in the mainsite articles sections do to deserve it at the outdoors show? Must try to get to that next time - anyone Know when it is?
It seems a lot of you guys have experience of the in's and outs in the UK,
but i'm new to this angle of outdoor training and would like to know more.
Regards
Paul Mac :-D
paulmac,
i went on a breakaway course a few years ago, it was fun, but definately, uh, less than satisfactory if you're serious about learning skills. other second hand reports i've heard, seem similar to my own experience.
if you're referring to mike jarmain of cambrian survival school as the bloke who got the bad press. he's very good. though apparently he gave the bushcraft school a bit of a slagging in his talk, which may go some way to explaining his lack of favour aound here. value for money wise his school must be one of the very best. the countryside where i did his intermediate course may not be as inspiring as the estate where woodsmoke run their courses, but it's much cheaper.
bushblade, good to hear from you too! maybe there'll be other outings 8-) i still say you make a great teacher. now where's frojo with the rest of the interesting photo's?
cheers, and.
Hi Sargey,
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post and your feedback it's much appreciated.
Regards
Paul Mac :-D
it might be worth me pointing out that i was sort of referring to a couple of derogatory posts made some time ago regarding mike's stuff, i believe they were subsequently, moderated. so that was just my understanding, not necessarily the opinion of this website!
if you see what i mean. :-?
cheers, and.
David Evans
16-12-2003, 14:06
Paul Mac,
Don't be put off by what people say, I have been on many courses by many companies in the uk over the past two decades including as far back as Eddie Magee, Ray Mears, Lofty Wiseman and the not so wisemen.
The differece is only to be learnt from your own experience, but the present standards are extremely high and if you keep an open mind very enjoyable.
Some of my favourites:
Breakaway :shock:
Sargey was spot on, but my wife unknowingly sent me here on a "Red letters day" voucher type affair and I enjoyed the social fun side to the "activity". The man here is Mick Tyler, very good and makes no secret of his SAS past, but the leaders are usually his under-studies with lots of desire but not the same experience. ( 20 years Breakaway).
Woodlore
Ray has achieved amazing hieghts for the subject and is yet to be parralled - that may be why he gets a lot of " green eyed attention ".
He is a very good ambassador for the subject and if you can do his courses - get on one, call for late places or cancellations. Even better if he's teaching.
NB Woodsmoke, Woodcraft, Bison & Gone Native have all "drank from
the Ray Mears well" and are all good companies for a similar course.
UK Survival School.
Mainly because I went to Borneo with them, This is a"nuts & bolts" adventure in remote environments training school and few people have the all-round environments experience that Ged Lawless and Co., have.
It runs in his blood - so to speak and you will find him and Mick Tyler very good friends although two very differant people and ways - Geds, a very private person but extremely capable.
As for the Jungle, go for it, but listen carefully to how they prepare you and thats why I don't want to start going on and over their heads about it, just go for it.
As for Cambrian, their very good and I think perhaps the comments about Mike that you mention, may be the reason why you believed you could question openly about the companies courses on this forum on the "chatter" thread - I agree with Stuarts summing up and can see the reasons why you posted it.
It was in my view completely harmless but badlly dealt with. I think also some very good lessons have been learnt, your points were valid and not out of order in anyway.
I have also heard some good comments about Natural Pathways and might visit them in the next year or so.
At the end of the day we are all only human and do make mistakes, so don't be put off. ( and that's coming from a lawyer? )
Whatever you do - enjoy your time, if you have a bad day out, start again.
All the best
David
Hi,
Sargey,
I'm not sure I know about the Mike Jarmain posts your talking about. What I meant was as David says, the articles page ( show 1 & show 2 ) on this main website - not the forum, that I, and this is only my thoughts, find a bit contraversial on a site that I now know does not accept companies websites or courses being publicly critised.
For that I was niave, and, if I have offended Caron, Woodcraft or any forum members I sincerely apologise. Tony kindly wrote to me over this and I'm sorry about the attention allbeit the wrong kind that my post drew to the site.
I was genuinley confused and wanted the members opinons on what I thought was open to public debate that is why I never contacted them privately. I am quite inquisitive about the way companies promote themselves and allways seek second or independant views.
Please accept my sincere apologies :oops:
David,
Thankyou for so kindly taking the time to reply to my questions and your support - I wish I read your comments sooner as I spent most of yesterday with Ged and he basically echoed what you said above and added about another 4 company names to my list. It was my first introduction to the subject and I found it more enjoyable than I ever expected, I also have until next May to make my mind up about the Jungle trip, but they go every year any way. I would like to thank him for a good day out.
I would also like to thank everone who responded to my "quest" on the forum and all the PM's, happy bushcrafting, xmas & new year.
Paul Mac :-D
...not the forum, that I, and this is only my thoughts, find a bit contraversial on a site that I now know does not accept companies websites or courses being publicly critised.
Paulmac - not so on this point. For clarity, and as far as I know, providing your criticisms are fair, reasonable, accurate and non-personal, it's fine to ask the questions. If you find flaws or fault with a course or company, or have issues with marketing or whatever, you are free to comment to that effect. I dont see any rules or statements anywhere to the contrary. I think there is an expectation for courteous and respectful exchanges, but as far as I know, providing that is the case, any point can be raised and any questions can be asked.
...may be the reason why you believed you could question openly about the companies courses on this forum on the "chatter" thread - I agree with Stuarts summing up and can see the reasons why you posted it.
It was in my view completely harmless but badlly dealt with. I think also some very good lessons have been learnt, your points were valid and not out of order in anyway.
I believe fair, reasonable and open questioning is perfectly allowable on this forum. :wink:
Hi Chaps
Have a look at the thread below. http://www.bushcraftuk.co.uk/community/viewtopic.php?t=582
Thanks for your input on this Martyn and your spot on. We have to be careful so as not to seem like we are attacking, but we should ask the questions and expect answers. Part of the problem is that this is the first Website of it's kind in the UK and we are all finding our way. What happens on here is perfectly normal and expected. Thus there is no need to worry, just a need to learn, and we all learn from things out of the norm.
I get a half dozen email a week saying how brilliant the site is and how polite, nice and welcoming everyone is on the forum. This is a huge credit to every one of you, and I mean every one. The Mods do a grand job and the members support them. As examples of the people that participate in wilderness activities you are a credit. And you encourage many people to better themselves.
Stick with it guys and girls and enjoy.
Hi guys'
Hope you all had a great xmas and got everything you wanted - santa only comes to those kids that are good!
ROB
Did you ever review the course you mentioned earlier in this thread - the one with the ducks (or was it cows :-? ) would love to hear more.
Sargey, Bushblade & Gary
Do you guys instruct at schools mentioned on this forum ? - everyone seems to already know each other :-? , would love to hear more about this as well , if possible.
Have a happy new year :wink:
Paul Mac :-D
Paul Mac,
I have worked for Woodlore for several years, recently left them to set up my own company which will go live in January.
I have also worked with and associated with Woodsmoke for a long time too - both are v good companies.
i don't do anything bushcrafty on a commercial basis, i help out with scouts and teach on the survival skills badge weekend once a year. as weekend courses go, it's much better than some that you'd have to pay three times as much for! 8-)
cheers, and.
PaulMac
Review fo the course with the ducks has been submitted - just waiting for it to get posted. Should be soon.
Still trying to work out the thing about the cows - guess it is just some sort of "special club" for "special people" :wink:
Thanks for the replies guys,
Will look out for you going live Gary - good luck, and Rob I look forward to seeing the course review with the ducks, am surprised they didn't get eaten with you fellas.
Thanks also Sargey, would love to know which courses are worse than the scouts badge weekend!!! :shock:
Paul :-D
bushblade
29-12-2003, 18:45
I don't teach either, just kind words from Sargey I think. Cheers mate.
I met Gary who was assisting the instructors on the Woodsmoke woodlander course I attended. Also met Stuart (Kellam) too. Think I have pics of them both somewhere :wink:
I met Sargey on the Abo course I attended, thats one experience I'm not gonna forget for a long time :-)
There is a couple of other user names knocking about that I recognise from courses too. Great way to meet like minded people.
The only people I have taught is friends who I've taken out, and managed to pass on the bushcraft bug to.
Will, dont you be scaring the nice people on here with your pictures of Stuart - or me!!
How did the knife turn out in the end?
And thanks Paul Mac I'll need all the luck I can get!!
ah yes, bushblade was a teammate/ fellow student on the abo course, but he definately knows his onions, and his willow herb, and his western hemlocks and... :lol:
:roll: ok maybe it wasn't that funny...
cheers, and.
Hey I figured out who bushblade is!!!! :-D
Hello there, how did that knife come out?
did you know that orlando (the spainish guy whos picture is on the courses page of the woodsmoke site) is lurking around on this site as well
he sent me a PM a week or so ago
Hey Orlando you still out there?
bushblade
30-12-2003, 19:26
Hi Gary, Stuart,
I've just moved to Yorkshire, my knife has been hardened, just needs a handle and sheath fitting, I'm pleased with it so far. However half my stuff, including unfinished knives, grinder and tools is still in Scotland.
I'm still using the F1, its seen a hell of a lot of use now and the more I use it the more I would find it hard to sustitute a different knife.
No I didn't know Orlando was on these forums, whats his user name? He showed me a cool knot for lanyards, but can't for the life of me seem to replicate it :-?
Thanks for the kind comments Sragey. I thought Ben and the woodsmoke team did a fine job of choosing the teams for the Abo, Yourself, Frojo and James are great blokes, It'd be good to catch up with the rest of them. Did you ever buy a F1 yourself? I know you were thinking about it.
Oh, that stag antler I found is making a realy good hat/coat stand at the mo :-)
Orlandos online name is Fasa i think
I dont think he's done any posts but he is about :-D
Orlando is on here too? Cool!
Well let us know when your finished Will (with the knife) I'd like to see a picture of it too.
Sounds like your ABO course was good.
i still haven't got an F1, i'm not supposed to be buying any tos till i've finished paying for the course! :lol: but the wish list isn't getting any shorter.
cheers, and.
I can highly recommend John Ryder at woodcraftschool.co.uk
All his various courses are very infomative and above all,FUN! He has a great teaching ability heavily laced with humour and no hint of "primadonnaship". He is also probably the leading expert in this field in the UK but he does not sing his own praise at all and those in the know are aware of his standing.
I've read jimbo's review of John Ryder and was interested in it. I am thinking of trying one of John's courses for myself later this year but would like to know if he has tried any other courses ? Who are 'those in the know' and how do I become one ?
Taq
John Rhyder and his Woodcraft School are very good indeed. John really knows his stuff and has many years of teaching bushcraft both at his own school and at Ray Mears' Woodlore. From my experience with a number of schools and having researched and studied bushcraft for many years I can highly recommend John.
There are a number of other instructors out there who have worked at Woodlore (including Ray!) who come recommended by people I know and trust.
Hope this helps.
Have been reading this section with interest for a while, to help me decide on which courses to attend and with which companies.
I visited Ben and Lisa at Woodsmoke for a fundamental and later their week long bushcraft course, truly excellent. Been since for other courses, all good stuff. Another excellent company, which I will be visiting again.
I was pointed in the direction of John Rhyder and Caron at Woodcraft-School, a long haul from my humble shed, but well worth the drive, so much so I have driven down for several of their courses and looking forward to a reunion at the year end.
I can say that these companies are excellent and I will continue to be a customer of both. Obviously there are other excellent companies out there but I have not been on their courses, and so can only comment on personal experience.
These are my personal opinions and should be treated as such. Thanks for the opportunity to let others know.
BB
thanks for the info mate, and welcome to the forum.
cheers, and.