wildelycreative gets a bit excited about this year’s Wilderness Gathering.

Billed as “The Original Bushcraft Show” the annual Wilderness Gathering is gearing up for another three days of all things primitive.

This will be my first time and I’m taking an absolute outdoor novice with me too. I figure there are so many workshops she’ll get a real flavour of bushcraft, primitive and outdoor living crammed into a tiny space of time (and she won’t have to build her own shelter!) And I’ll be able to play with all my favourite bushcraft toys, and some others I’ve yet to discover.

I’m taking the bivvi and the tent, along with the rest of my bushcraft kit but she’ll probably want to cart along a fold up bed too. Sheesh!

If you’re going to the Wilderness Gathering, look out for the rainbow hat. It might not be on my head in the heat of August, but it’ll be visible. Come and say Hi.

No related posts.

Lakeland Bushcraft will be putting together a newsletter for you lucky, lucky people.

To sign up and hear about the latest offers about the best kit for your outdoor adventures it’s very simple.

Email us through this link and we’ll add you to the subscriber list.

That’s it (I said it was easy!)

And if you ever decide you’ve had enough and want to cancel the subscription, that’s easy too – there’s a link at the bottom of every newsletter.

But we don’t think you’ll want to miss out on special offers, the freshest bits of outdoor kit, latest blog posts and your own campside tales.

If there’s something you want to see in the newsletter, get in touch, and let us know. And, of course, tell your friends. They won’t want to miss out either!

No related posts.

Being outdoors is good for you. Something we bushcrafters already know. But growing scientific evidence is pointing to substantial mental health benefits.

The latest analysis shows the first five minutes of any outdoor activity in nature led to substantial improvements in mental health indicators.

Jules Pretty of the University of Essex: “You get a very substantial benefit from the first five minutes. We should be encouraging people in busy and stressed environments to get outside regularly, even for short bits of time.”

So this summer, take a mental health break and go camping.

Perfect for two the Nanok Arxcis Duo Tent has ample room for gear too. Quick and easy to pitch it’s also possible to use only the flysheet saving weight when strapping it to your back.

For a bit extra room, the Nanok Domus Trio Tent has a large vestibule that can be opend by means of an extra zip along the vestibule pole sleeve.

Or for the truly adventurous and the chance to experience nature up close and personal, why not try a WebTex Basha? In olive green or DPM to blend into the background, nine reinforced loops and brass eyelets at centre and corners this truly is a versatile and lightweight shelter option.

Preserve your mental health, get outdoors this summer with Lakeland Bushcraft. For more great camping products, check out the store.

Related posts:

1. At the Outdoors Show
2. Outdoors Trade Show Wussies
3. TGO Recommends Nanok ArxcisDuo Tent

It’s back. The World Cup 2010 is well under way in South Africa and despite England’s lacklustre performance so far, there’s still plenty to play for (and lots of matches to come).

To help you enjoy the beautiful game with a little bit of an outdoorsy theme, we’ve come up with our Top 5 bushcraft kit list that’ll see you through to the lifting of the trophy.

Pro-Tex Military Watch G10 Style

To make sure you don’t miss the start of the match the Pro-Tex Military Watch is titanium plated with genuine Swiss movement.

Perfect precision

As an added bonus, it’ll turn into a handy compass if you point it at the sun the right way!

Source Vagabond Wrap Tank

Source Vagabond’s most popular outdoor system works indoors too.

Fill-to-brim through the wide opening access with the cold beverage of your choice and save those pesky few seconds nipping back to the fridge.

Thirst quenching good looks

You never know, you could miss a crucial goal. (Lakeland Bushcraft advises sensible quantities of hydration at all times!)

Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker

Whether it’s to keep you awake through the pre- and post- game chatter or to get you going in the morning, you can’t go wrong with the AeroPress coffee maker.

A decent cuppa is a great motivator

And, it’s small enough to keep next to the remote control. (You can read more about the AeroPress here and here.)

Tatonka 1Litre Hot & Cold Stuff Flask

It’s not likely you’ll be allowed to use a Kelly Kettle to boil the water for your coffee in the middle of the television room. So, to save you the bother of putting the kettle on halfway through a game, fill up a Tatonka 1 Litre Flask with hot water before kick-off and you’ll have hot coffee throughout the match.

Keeping you topped up

Simples.

Leatherman Squirt ES4

The perfect World Cup multi-tool with bottle opener, ideal for cold beverages not transferred to your wrap tank.

The perfect multitool

And a handy wire-stripper tool for putting the plug on your new HD TV that was VITAL to have in time for pre- World Cup banter.

So there you have it – 5 easy ways to get your bushcraft kit to work for you, while you’re so busy watching the World Cup.

Roll on Wimbledon.

Related posts:

1. Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker – Update
2. Brew-up Outtake
3. Tatonka Alcohol Burners Back In Stock!

We’ve had a lovely email from the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group after reporting about Charles, the Red Squirrel kitten found after his drey fell to the ground.

Sarah McNeil:

It’s great to know that people like yourselves are helping the Reds out like this. My partner Jerry Moss, is the Red Squirrel ranger for Whinfell forest here in Penrith, and is also pleased that you are helping him in his fight to save the Red Squirrel.

Awareness is very important in their survival, so we do many shows throughout the year and do a lot for newspapers, magazines, a bit on TV and on numerous websites to raise their profile.

Charles is making great progress and loves his new home

As well as being involved in Red Squirrel conservation, we are also trustees for a strip of woodland and lake shore on the edge of Ullswater, called Wendy’s Wood. The lady who owns the woodland, Wendy Martin, has a dream to bring in school children and to teach them about nature and the importance of conservation.

Apart from the hard voluntary graft we have all put into it so far, we are now starting to be rewarded with stunning views and a forest floor and with no litter! Wendy has made up an awareness stall to raise extra funds for this project.

We’re all for raising awareness.

You can keep up to date with Charles’ progress and the work of the P&DRSG with the regular updates to their website. Or why not get in touch if you spot a squirrel?

If you want to get involved with helping with Red Squirrel conservation in Cumbria, contact Sarah at the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group. Or why not try the Allerdale Red Squirrels Group if they’re closer.

Are you involved in nature conservation in your area? Got something to share? Send us an email.

Related posts:

1. Spring Squirrels

The whole point of bushcraft for me is less kit. I like the idea of easy mobility with comfort. The easiest mobility would be to carry virtually nothing and use the natural surroundings for comfort. But that takes more knowledge than I’ve yet acquired, so for now I’m always on the lookout for small kit.

My Bushcraft Kit List

THUMB STICK – I’m in the middle of carving this. Having shaved off the bark I’m aiming for a bone-like effect as with the pot hanger. I’m considering slicing the base so it can double as a pot hanger stand. The Y joint of the thumb stick bends backwards slightly making it perfect for applying some balance weight.

FRONT SACK – Cooking and Hygiene

• 1pt Kelly Kettle
• 1qt Billy Can
• 5” Frying Pan/Plate/Bowl
• 5l Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink
• AeroPress Coffee Maker
• Hand carved wooden spatula
• Small plastic bag
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• LifeVenture All Purpose Soap
• Flannel
• LifeVenture Microfibre Towel – 110×62cm

MAIN PACK – Berghaus Freeflow 35l +8

Side Pocket 1 – Tools

• Mora Clipper Carbon Steel Knife
• Spyderco Doublestuff Sharpener
• Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
• Handmade pottery paddle with jute cordage
• Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
• Hand carved pot hanger

Side Pocket 2 – Shelter and Water

• Tatonka Tarp 2 Bazil
• 10m paracord
• 20m paracord
• 2 x 10 metre guylines
• 2 x 120cm boot laces
• 1.5l water bottle

Front Pocket

• 6 metal tent pegs
• 4 x 12” bungees

Top Outer Pocket

• Knitted neck gator
• The ubiquitous rainbow hat
• Leather fleece lined gloves
• Snugpak Poncho

Top Inner Pocket

• First Aid Kit
• LED Head Torch
• Thermarest repair kit
• 4 x AAA batteries
• Solar charger and connector cable

Main Interior Compartment

• Clothes depending upon season
• Food
• Wilma’s Traditional Fire Lighting Kit in Reindeer Leather Pouch
• Wooden handled firesteel
• Snugpak SF Bivvi

Exterior

• Thermarest attached to front pocket
• Sleeping bag attached to bottom by two 12” bungees
• Carabina

DAY BAG

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Notepad and pencil
• Mobile phone
• Collins Mini Identification Guides

For the length of trips I’m doing right now this covers all my needs. Couple of jumpers, spare trousers, socks and pants get stuffed in the main compartment in a plastic bag to make sure they stay dry; sugar, milk and coffee fit easily in the cooking bag. My first solo trip will be the test regarding food. There’s still enough space in the main compartment for it but I haven’t had to carry more than one night’s fare so far.

That’s it then. I’ve shown you mine, what’s in yours?

No related posts.

Spring is in full sway and the squirrels are having a bit of a field day around the UK.

A kitten Red squirrel is being looked after by the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group after his drey fell to the ground (pictured above).

Now “Charles”, as he’s been named by Sarah McNeil, volunteer with the PDRS, is being kept in a wooly hat stuffed with pampas grass and leaves.

Sarah explains: “The hat keeps him warm enough without over-heating and over a little time he pulls the front of the hat down like a little hatch.”

Charles will be cared for by the PDRS until he is old enough to be released. You can keep up to date with Charles’ recovery on the PDRS website.

Source: News and Star
____________________________________________________________

And at the other end of the country…

Getting up close and personal

Keen bushcrafter Steve England is pictured seemingly shaking hands with a grey in Stoke Park, Bristol. After waiting motionless for 15 minutes, the grey squirrel moved closer to Steve to accept the hazelnut he had in his hand before running back into the woods.

The picture was taken by NHS community health worker Alex Wood.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

No related posts.

I like getting back to basics as much as possible but fire by friction for a novice can take some time. I usually light the fire with a firesteel and the back of my knife but when I saw the Wilma’s Traditional Fire Lighting Kit I was fascinated.

The traditional design has probably been around longer than the Vikings and the kit contains everything you need to naturally start your fire.

I haven’t used Amadou before and the kit contains a ready prepared piece, along with wood shavings, a piece of fatwood and some dried grass as course tinder.

The hand-made steel felt solid and easy to grasp and the sizeable piece of natural flint had some razor sharp edges. I tried a few test strikes before using any of the precious Amadou. The sparks, thinner and cooler than my firesteel, were still sufficient to put a tiny hole in my trousers.

Tearing the Amadou left a soft, fluffy edge, perfect for catching a thin spark. It only took a couple of strikes on the flint-edge before a spark caught and glowed. I blew it into a flame in the tinder bundle (after adding some feathery birch bark). The wood shavings and fatwood kept the flame going while I built up the different sizes of kindling. The whole process took no more than four minutes (probably quicker than using umpteen damp matches).

VERDICT

As a fire lighting kit the Wilma’s Traditional is definitely fit for purpose. And with the addition of the Reindeer leather pouch it’s a beautiful piece of kit too. I’ve now swapped the larger piece of flint for a smaller piece I found in the woods. Leaves more space in the pouch for birch bark, seed heads and char cloth. The Amadou would probably last for a maximum of around 20 fires as long as you’re well prepared with tinder and kindling and only use a small piece.

Don’t just get the Reindeer leather pouch for your fire lighting kit though. It makes a perfect pouch for carrying coffee, and we all know how much I love my coffee!

Related posts:

1. Wayland Using a Flint and Steel

John Fenna reviews the BCB Crusader Cooking System.

The BCB Crusader Cooking System is not exactly new to the market place, but I have recently had the opportunity to examine the system in depth. It breaks down into the following parts, all of which are available separately or as a complete set in a single package.

• Zulu Belt Pouch (I was trialing a prototype model)
• Crusader Cooker (in plain stainless steel or with a black PTFE non-stick coating)
• Water Bottle and Mug (standard 58 style)
• Crusader Cup Canteen (in plain stainless steel or with a black PTFE non-stick coating)
• Crusader Cup Lid
• Ethanol Eco Gel Fuel

The Zulu Pouch, which will soon be available, will come in woodland DPM, black or green, is made from tough 1,000D Cordura and measures 21×10x14cm with a shaped lid that closes using an adjustable quick release buckle.  Inside the lid there is a 7×4x10cm Velcro-closed pocket, while inside the front panel of the pouch there is a part-bellowsed pocket of approximately 16×10cm.

On the sides of the pouch there are D-rings which allow a shoulder strap to be attached, if required, while the back of the pouch is stiffened and padded and has fittings that make it Molle compatible so you can wear it on a belt, or any bit of kit with Molle fittings. The base of the pouch features a large drainage eyelet, all seams are webbing bound and the inside of the pouch has 2 elasticated bands running front to back to stabilise the pouch contents and prevent rattle.

Made to a high standard, the Zulu Pouch takes the rest of the Crusader Cooking System with ease and leaves room for small items (fuel, tea/coffee, spoon etc) but is also an ideal size for other items such as first aid kit or other useful bits of field kit.

The Zulu Belt Pouch is being specifically designed to take the Crusader Cooking System and as yet I do not have a price for the system that includes this pouch.

The next part of this system is the cooking unit, a deceptively simple item that comprises a windshield with a fuel crucible and a folding arm “pot-stand”.  On the side from which the arm is hinged there is a small slot that allows air intake and how you position this with regard to any breeze seems to affect how fast the fuel can burn. In transit the pot stand arm folds up out of the way and the cooking unit fits under the base of the Crusader Cup Canteen.

The Crusader Cup Canteen is a robust stainless steel mug with a flared rim and folding wire handles. The cup is shaped to fit on the base of the 58 pattern military style water bottle and has a capacity of 750ml with graduation markings of 0.25L and O.5L stamped into the face of the mug and visible from both inside and out. A very popular mug, the Crusader Cup Canteen is no lightweight at around 290gms, but is almost indestructible and is comfortable to drink from (I have yet to burn my lips on the rim while drinking from it, a problem I have encountered with rolled edge metal mugs).

The Crusader Cup Canteen is pretty much the benchmark by which all metal mugs are judged and is usable as a mug or a cooking pot on an open fire, or in the Crusader Cooking System.

The 58 pattern military style water bottle and plastic mug that come with the cooking system really need no introduction as they are old favourites. Those supplied with the cooking system are stamped “Osprey”, have a NATO stock number and are made of tough plastic, the bottle holding 950ml and having a captive screw cap with a heavy duty seal ring. The 500ml capacity mug fits over the top of the bottle and has folding wire handles. Both mug and bottle are roughly kidney shaped to make them comfortable to carry in a belt pouch, are quality items and weigh around 227g.

The Crusader Cup Lid is a shaped clear plastic item that fits in the top of the Crusader Cup Canteen to keep out dirt and dust, reduce boiling times and to turn the cup into a “sipper” cup to reduce the chance of spillage if you are drinking from it while moving. The lid has a drinking cut-out at the end closest to you if you hold the cup in your right hand, a vent hole in the other and twin “pinch tabs” on top in place of a handle. The lid is a tight fit and can jam in place if you are not careful while cooking, but otherwise does the tasks it was designed for quite well.

The “Green Heat” ethanol gel fuel comes in packs of 12 sachets that are easily packed in the Zulu Pouch, contain about enough fuel fir a 10 minute burn and even the sachet itself can be burnt so there is no waste. The gel itself is eco-friendly, being made from a renewable agricultural source rather than fossil fuels, burns with a clear hot flame, leaves little residue with no toxic fumes and can be extinguished for re-lighting later. Non-toxic and environmentally safe, the fuel is, I feel, superior to solid fuel tablets in may ways.

In use the Crusader Cooking System has proved to be a useful package for use as a brew kit in the field and also as a cooking set when lightweight camping. The complete set fits neatly into its pouch and each sachet of the gel fuel (known to some as “fire snot”) will boil 0.5L of water in approximately 10 minutes without leaving any messy residue (unlike Hexamine sold fuel), or unpleasant odours (Hexi again). The fuel appeared to boil water twice as fast as Hexi in the same conditions in a side-by-side test and seems comparatively well priced.

All items in the system are well made, rugged and hard wearing (though I have heard of the lids snapping as you lever them out of the cup when they jam) and do their jobs well.

The Crusader Cooking System comes as a complete, ready-to-go, out-of-the-bag set for around £43 (£34.95 from Lakeland Bushcraft here), weighs about 1.5kg with around 2 hours fuel, is a good option if you want a simple, rugged “go anywhere” stove/pot/mug/water bottle set and I can see why it is so popular.

Related posts:

1. John Fenna Reviews the Kelly Kettle
2. Tatonka Burner
3. Wilma’s Traditional Fire Lighting Kit

Leisure time reliance on volunteer rescuers is fast becoming a double edged sword.

Cumbria’s mountain rescue teams are rightly regarded as heroes by locals and visitors alike. Always dependable in a crisis, they’re a lifeline when things go frighteningly wrong on fells and mountains.

But they’re being stretched to the limit by unequipped walkers who don’t follow basic safety advice.

This weekend they have again been pushed to the brink by recklessness.

The Keswick team was called out three times on Saturday as tourists headed up mountains in glorious spring weather, disregarding obvious likelihood that early April sunshine will have a challenging sting in its tail.

Cumbria’s volunteers clocked up 26,868 hours last year, after being called out 700 times to accidents and injuries.

But the number of unnecessary calls for help rose significantly and hard-pushed rescue teams say some accidents on the fells could have been prevented had walkers and climbers followed basic advice.

The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association is urging people to call only in genuine an emergency and warns teams could be forced to prioritise calls for help if man hours continue to rise.

The service of brave volunteers is a Cumbrian jewel of which the county is justly proud. But it was never intended to be a substitute for commonsense self-help or personal responsibility.

From: News & Star

Related posts:

1. Deaths on Fells Rise
2. Lake District Avalanche: “Climbers lucky to survive”