Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

It may seem a little out of place that we are reviewing this book on bushcraft uk, but after having a delve there is definitely some bushcraft worthy information contained on some of the 450 pages.

The book itself is something of a tome, and thus I doubt it is going to find itself into many rucksacks. But this is forgivable as the book is intended for those that want to learn more about self sufficiency in a smallholder environment. It has a lot of information on pigs and cows, as well as numerous other animals and plants that we would usually not encounter in the wilderness. Saying that there is still a great deal that is useful to us.

It is broken down into four main sections: Garden, livestock, fish and hedgerow. There is good information in each section, most of the recipes can be discarded as impractical for bushcraft although some aspects of them should be useful. There is also less need for the sections on raising livestock and growing vegetables in Polly tunnels. However, there are some real gems in here, and because Hugh has such a matter of fact way of expressing himself it is easily understandable and remember-able.

Let me give you a rundown on some of the stuff in it:

1. Fruit, vegetables and herbs, some of the species can be found in the wild and as you know many of the modern varieties are derived from wild species.

2. How to slaughter and prepare livestock, the different cuts, drying techniques, storage etc

3. Fish, salt and freshwater, smoking (also which woods to use) preparation, fresh fish identification, beachcombing for shellfish, catching them, cooking fish and shellfish.

4. Wild meat, hedgerow greens, wild mushrooms, fruits, nuts and what to do with it all, how to collect it, how to store it and how to enjoy it!

The last section is hedgerow, it is excellent, and it goes hand in glove with bushcraft. This section of the book contains many things that we know already, but Hugh manages to bring them into the mainstream, giving the impression that this is all perfectly normal, everyone’s at it! Well it made me feel a bit less of a Wildman geek type!
If you want to know more about wild meat, how to catch it, prepare it and cook it then this is for you. Hugh talks about rooks, pigeons, squirrels and snails as though they are everyday fare. In the rest of the section he talks about where to forage for hedgerow greens and herbs, as well as more well know mushrooms, he also has some good ideas about cooking what has been gathered, there is much we can learn from this man.

Conclusion
If you want some help to feel normal about your wild food collecting then this will be a good read for you. Even though much of it is not directly practical in the wild, there is still a great deal contained in the book that will encourage you to experiment more. The book is one to be read at home and after equipping yourself with some new knowledge get out there and discover something new!

Pros: Cost, well written, practical real world advice, helps make eating Squirrels and Rooks normal!
Cons: Too heavy to take out with you, lots of information that is not applicable to bushcraft.
Rating: Considering it’s a cook book 7/10 Recommended.

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