Saturday 29 November 2014

First attempt at tree felling

I've been with my employer for the best part of thirty years and I've qualified for a long leave reward of a paid six months off in one hit which I've booked for 2016. When I found out that a neighbour was looking to clear his garden with a view to moving I quickly offered to take some straggly ash trees down. I saw a quick hit of firewood for the six month sabbatical!



This neighbour is at the back of our house across a path and I said that,as I had two ladders, that I could hop over the fence and not disturb him. So in out and job done...



He said it was a little overgrown...I hadn't quite anticipated a wall of brambles which I had to clear to even get to the trees, and then clear around the bases. This set the tone for endless annoying stumbles on 'tripwire' brambles and indeed a multitude of hidden obstacles.

 

Sometime ago I made this bucksaw based on this particular design and despite the fact that it is loaded with a dry wood blade it is a new Bahco blade and was effective. Now the problems that presented themselves to a rookie tree surgeon like me was that there were two fences, a dividing trellis fence, a shed, a greenhouse and as I discovered an active bumble bee nest in a pile of garden debris, coupled with the fact that some of the trees were say 25 feet or so tall I was wondering if I could defeat these trees and land them in a 45 degree safe zone.

The right hand side bucksaw blade picture above shows one of the smaller trunks in both height and girth which I took down with two diagonal sections removed front and back which was good to get the confidence up and my eye in (both of which were protected with safety glasses). I decided that the larger trees needed to come down in two sections for both my safety and the continuing viability of the breakable structures around me.

 

I scaled a ladder to the side of the trees and before proceeded to cut the two diagonal sections front and back I tied a good length of paracord 550 as high as I could using a timber hitch and then chucked the remaining length as far as I could in the direction of projected fall. I left the two wedges in place and climbed down the ladder, flicked the front wedge out (leaving the rear one in place for safety) and then arced round to take the strain on the paracord. A quick tug saw the upper parts come down with a satisfying crack which could be felt through the paracord. Once down the lower section could be taken down easily.

 

As the lengths piled up I kept an eye out for useful pieces and I have squirreled away good straight lengths and the raw materials for everything from a pot hook pieces to a Lester spear tip. Just add spare time and boom! Once finished there was a definite improvement to the garden access and I have a large supply of wood to season, and chop still for that matter.




Wednesday 26 November 2014

Keela Falkland ventile coat review

In my blog biography I've tried to modestly describe myself as 'Some of the gear and some idea' but one area that I have really needed to redress is a decent outdoor coat. Helping Woodlife Trails as a course assistant means that when the weather doesn't play nice most of my time is under trees but out and about my thoughts had turned to ventile...but it costs a bomb...doesn't it?

I spotted this coat on the World of Bushcraft stand at this years Bushcraft Show (at a show price) and was invited by one of the staff members to try it on and I did, for future reference you understand, I would know what size I needed, how it felt and so on. 

When I returned I told my wife that I tried on a lovely coat and she said that I should have got it and kept it to one side for my birthday. I didn't think of that. So through a mobile phone text chain I got a message to Jason Ingamells, one was put aside and the order was completed.


 

Well my birthday arrived and as you can see, my wife did a cracking job wrapping it(!). As I laid it out on my bed it still felt like a good purchase with it having a nice weight to it but equally not too weighty as to be restrictive.

 

Notwithstanding the ventile, the other features that caught my eye were the design of the detachable hood which has press studs that do high up, has an internal flap behind them, a tensioning strap on the hood's crown, toggles to tighten and the coat buttons up under the flap. There are also two tensioning toggles at the bottom and waist of the coat too.

 

The front zip is a decent size and chunky with press studs to fasten the front up too, and the cuffs caught my eye because they are edged with leather for added durability (and also has a strap with three press stud settings to tighten up the cuff round the wrist). The sleeves have press studded loops to fasten a fleece into if desired.

 

 

Onto the pockets. Two angled pockets which you can put your hands in .There's a studded strap attached to the inside of these pockets which is shown above, years later I found out that it is to attch to one of the lower flapped pocket press studs to hold the pocket partially open). Two hip pockets which can comfortably hold an OS map and, as shown above, have a small flap formed by the top of the pocket which folds inwards as the pocket flap itself is flopped down or studded, an internal zipped chest height pocket which will also hold an OS map, and there's also an internal velcro fastened pocket inside in the corner of the coat which I'd only use for light items. There is also a  zip in the central part of the hem which accesses the gap between the two layers of the coat, I'm not sure what that's for...Does anyone know? 


Well I got the coat in August and I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds some online product reviews annoying and useless when statements like 'I think the wife will be pleased with it' or 'I haven't used it yet but it looks like a good buy' are posted so I wanted two tests in heavy rain. The pic above shows what the coat looks like and  whilst it's not obvious because I am under a tree, it is raining heavily. Even though the hood isn't enclosed in the picture it is still effective. The brim is a baseball cap, not part of the hood just for information.

 

My  initial thoughts were that the rain was forming in to droplets and readily running off the coat as the two pictures above show.

 

The acid test was spotting a broken drain and sticking the sleeve under the water issuing from it. I held it there for the duration of three photographs and the right hand side one was the most impressive as the arrows point to the water fairly scudding off the sleeve.


And this is the sleeve after the drainpipe test, no dark patches and looking like the initial pictures I took further up the review.


My second test was not only to validate the first one but to see what happens with a pack on my back. I went out with a modestly loaded (day size) Snugpack rucksack with the chest and waist straps done up, and Fjallraven G-1000 trousers on.

 

The first test was an urban one with 'just' heavy rain, the second was part urban, part wooded, and part exposed hillside with the rain coming in at an angle. You can just about see the start of the darker wet area towards the bottom of the trouser leg where the coat stops (and a shot of my boot tops to show what a good job the G-1000 trousers had done but I digress).


The hood also performed well, the cap is the same colour all over and the peak is quite clearly darker. So the acid test. There were some darker marks on the shoulders where the straps had been but the wearing of a pack had not let rain through onto any area. This coat isn't a massive wedge more than some popular non-ventile coats and I think this could well pan out as one of the best outdoor buys I've ever made.















Monday 17 November 2014

Yorkshire pud battered bacon.

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's seen stuff on social network and thought 'I'll give that a go' and the latest one (the first since this) is Yorkshire pud battered bacon...Well it was all pictures so the name is copyright of me!
    


I used trimmed up streaky bacon because if you look through the packets you can often find lean slices. I cut the fat off the meatiest bits and oiled up a frying pan to cook the pieces through. In the meantime I decanted half a container of 'Instant pancake' batter to make up. I added salt, pepper and Seasonall and a slug of milk...Use water? Nope! Pancakes are gastronomic slime and a more Yorkshire pudding like mix was the order of the day. 


Once the bacon was cooked through I removed them from the heat to cool a little and then lobbed it into the batter, and once covered I put one in as a test. I'd wiped the pan out (and removed the white slime) and it was cool and the batter took about three minutes a side to cook/ batter up/crisp/  go off or whatever the technical term is. Pushing down gently with a spatula helps to make sure all the batter gets some heat if the bacon is a little curled. 


 Once the pan was warmed I'd suggest about 90 seconds a side because I have to say that one side of some of the second batch was a little dark (but not inedible) as you can see from the picture below. Was it cooked over a fire in a wood? Er no, it was done 'under laboratory conditions' in a kitchen, but it would really work with a trusty Primus Litech non-stick pan. The tasting panel (the family) gave them a big thumbs up...The woods, a Cub camp, on holiday, an easy Sunday morning...All scenarios would get a win out of these.

 


Sunday 16 November 2014

Bushcraft & Survival Skills Mag Article List (issues 1-25)


I have the first hundred Bushcraft and Survival Skills magazine issues and I  blogged this labour of love to find a specific article quickly and listed the articles by issue. Issues 26-50 found here, issues 51-75 found here and issues 76-100 here.Anything in bold type is an letter, article or content related to myself. 

If you spot an error etc do let me know please.




    
ISSUE 1

Roger Harrington-Bison Bushcraft
Dave Watson-Fire-Friend or Foe?
Chris Holland-Bushcraft & Contemporary Living
Daisy May-When There’s no Power What Power do you Have?
Marcus Harrison-An Introduction to Wild Food
Jeremy Hastings-Bushcraft Story-the Day of the Whale
Patrick McGlinchy-How to Make a Birch Bark Container
What Lights Your Fire?(Firesteel Review)
Anthonio Akkermans-Bushcraft. A Reason For Being?
Collins Gem Food For Free (Book Review)
Bison Bushcraft Course Review
Chris Holland-Fun in the Bush!

ISSUE 2

Roger Harrington-Sharpening a Scandi Grind Knife
Patrick McGlinchy-How to make a Birch Bark Bowl
Dave Watson-Bow and Drill Fire Lighting
Mors Kochanski Interview
SAS Survival Guide (Lofty Wiseman) & Basic Bushcraft and Survival (Peter  Gawieta)  Review
Antonio Akkermans-Natures Own Adhesive (Resin and Tempers)
Simon Ellar-Gransfors Wildlife Hatchet Review
Marcus Harrison-Where Triffids Fear to Tread (Spring Food/ Recipes)
Antonio Akkermans-Chipping into the Past (Knapping)
Children Learn About Bushcraft
Jeremy Hastings-Tracking the Otter
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Medicinal  Plants (Plantain, Yarrow, Willow & Dandelion)
Bearclaw Bushcraft Course Review
Chris Holland-Fun in the Bush!
    
ISSUE 3

Roger Harrington-Safe use of your bushcraft Knife
How Important is Water in the Wild?
Patrick McGlinchy-How to Make a Folded Bark Basket
Dave Watson-Tinders for Fire Lighting
Spear Fishing for Crayfish
Marcus Harrison-Hunting for Good King Henry (Early Summer Edibles/ Recipes)
Simon Ellar-Laplander Saw Review
Antonio Akkermans/ Karl Lee-Flint Knapping Tools and Materials
Basic Bushcraft and Survival II DVD and Bushcraft (Mors Kochanski) Book Review
What Knot? Sheet Bend
A Great Product Available From the Wild-Mart Superstore is...Flint
Jeremy Hastings-The Overnight Tarp Camp
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Medicinal Plants (Elder and St. Johns Wort)
Backwoods Survival School Course Review

ISSUE 4

Roger Harrington-Axe Selection For Bushcraft
Scrub’s Up! (Horsetail as a Cleaner)
Where’s the Water? (Water Sources)
Dave Watson-Hand Drill Equipment & Basic Technique
Selecting a Good Bushcraft Course
Hennessy Hammock Review
Karl Lee-Flintknapping, Material Selection & Reduction
Daisy May-Survival Skills & Marmite!
Chris Holland-’Wild Water’
Thomas Schorr-Kon-A Wonder Herb? Plantain
Chris Holland-Blindfolded Path Stalk 
Patrick McGlinchy-How to Make a Rolled Birch Bark Container
Trevor Funnell-What Knots, The Bowline
Every Day-A day in the Woods!
Lofty’s Back! Outdoor Survival Book Review
Marcus Harrison-High Noon on the Wild Side (Late Summer/ Early Autumn Plants & Recipe)
British Deer ID Fact Sheet
Jeremy Hastings-Using a Knife Safely 
Woodland Survival Crafts Course Review

ISSUE 5
Dave Watson-Make Your Own Bow Drill Set
Patrick McGlinchy-How to Make a Reedmace Doll
Axe Safety
Andrew Price-Obtaining Water From Snow and Ice
Maths Survival and Basic Bushcraft & Survival Reviews
Olivia Beardsmore-Down to Earth Christmas
Patrick McGlinchy-How to Make Acorn Jewellery
Simon Ellar-Seeing in the Dark
Karl Lee-Production of Simple Flake Tools
Dave Watson-Elder Whistle and Wooden Flower Stem
Winter tree ID
Marcus Harrision-A Swinish New Year’s Feast (Acorns/ Hazels/ Beech) and Recipes
Patrick McGlinchy-Acorn Coffee
Olivia Beardsmore-Weeing in the Wild
Trevor Funnell-What Knot?The Figure of Eight
Chris Holland-A Contemporary Christmas
Great Gifts for Christmas and all Year Round
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Beat the Christmas Stress and Indulgence
Tony Collins-Bearclaw/ Islay Birding and Bushcraft Course Review
Jeremy Hastings-The Yule Log

ISSUE 6

Roger Harrington-Survival Kits
Keeping the Elements at Bay
On the Rocks (Different ‘Bushcraft’ Stones)
Andrew Price-Filtering Water with a Millbank Bag
Marcus Harrison-And the Cupboard was Bare (Winter Foraging & Recipes)
Bushcraft Bare Essentials (Outdoor Bra Review)
Dave Watson-Tinderbox Tip, Wood Punk
British Squirrels
Chris Holland-The Challenge of a Green Resolution
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Detox the Bushcraft way!
Bushtruck Course Review
Making Fire With Ice (Ice Ball Magnifier) 
Dave Watson-Traditional Flint & Steel (& Charcloth)
Daisy May-Enjoy the Elements (Tom Brown’s Field Guide, Nature & Survival for Children Book Review)
Backyard Bushcraft (Chimenea)
Pink Makeover (Breast Cancer Campaign Outdoor Kit)
What Knot? The Sheepshank
Need Food…Need Resources?
Karl Lee-Producing Flint Blades & Flint Knapping, the Art of the Ancients DVD Review
Jeremy Hastings-Winter Roving
Chris Holland-Sound Maps

ISSUE 7

Dave Watson-Bow Drill Variations
Marcus Harrison-Late Winter/ Spring Greens and Recipes
Fire From Drinks and Chocolate...What?
Knife Usage and the UK Law
Mike Armstrong-Making a Snare
Grant Neale-Backpack Ready Meals Review
Ask the Expert
ISPO Munich Trade Show
Steve Yates-Consequences (Accidents/ First Aid)
Animal Tracks and Signs (Preben Bang & Preben Dahlstrøm) and Survival Skills DVD (Lofty Wiseman) Reviews
Karl Lee-Hammer Time!
Chris Salisbury-Badger Watching
An Interview with Johnny Kingdom
Ian Maxwell Introduction
Ben McNutt-Campsite Selection (Shelter and Campcraft)
Olivia Beardsmore-Naturally Fit!
Trevor Funnell-What Knot? The Marlin Spike Hitch
Chris Holland-The Song of Spring
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Leaves and Flowers Spring to Mind!
Patrick H. Lindsay-From the Tree to a Very Large Bowl
Andrew Price-Water Purification, Why Bother?
Chris Elphick-Dryad bushcraft Course Review
Jeremy Hastings-Spring Was in the Air!
Chris Holland-Reach Out and Touch the Land!

ISSUE 8

Roger Harrington-Axe Sharpening 
James Watson-Fancy Perfect Pitch? (Resin Glue)
Andrew Price-MIOX Purifier Review
Mike Armstrong-Using a Snare
Marcus Harrison-When Nettles Were Blind (Spring Plants & Recipes)
Ask Our Expert (Karl Lee)
Ben McNutt-How to Construct a Bush Tipi
Ian Maxwell-Make it Easy
Karl Lee-The Neanderthal ‘Bout Coupe’ (Hand Axe) 
Women in the Wild-Home From Home
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Leaves & Flowers Spring To Mind! (Elderflower)
Jeremy Hastings-A Fishing Adventure…
Dave Watson-Making Life Easy (Beginner Bow Drill)
Chris Salisbury-Nocturnal Nature
What Knot? Round Turn & Two Half Hitches
The OS Outdoors Show Review
Steve Yates-Oak Leaf Training
Natures Hardware Store-The Sun
Daisy May-Primitive Living, Self Sufficiency & Survival Skills Book Review
Tent or Tepi…
Does Ray Mears have a New Knife Maker? (George Thompson)
Chris Holland-Doing the Fox Walk
Spring’s here!

ISSUE 9

Dave Budd-An Audience with a Knife Maker
Dave Watson-Fire Saw
Andrew Price-Improvised Water Purification Techniques
James Watson-Brain Tanning
What Knot?/ Tinderbox Tip
Ian Maxwell-ZIZO
Marcus Harrison-Late Spring/ Early Summer Greens with Recipes 
Ian Nairn-How to Carve a Wooden Spoon
Mike Armstrong-Prepping a Rabbit
Ticked Off!
Karl Lee-Basic Pressure Flaking-Leaf Shaped Arrowheads
Chris Salisbury-Wildwise
Simon Ellar-Cooking Over an Open Fire (Options)/ How to make S’mores
Self Protection
Olivia Beardsmore-Women, Chocolate and Survival!/ A Weekend with the Girls (Hannah Nicholls)
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Bees and Burdock
Chris Holland-The Love of a Real Fire
Simon Ellar-Coastal Foraging of a Different Kind
Neil Cowley-Purposeful Plants (Woodcraft Course Review)
George Thompson-Bannock Making
Jeremy Hastings-A Solar Clock
Chris Holland-Woodland Radar

ISSUE 10 


Dave Budd-Knives With a Purpose
Andrew Price-Obtaining Water in Arid Climates
What Knot? Bunny Ears
Marcus Harrison-Was it Good For you? (‘Weed’ Veg & Recipes)
Backyard Bushcraft-Wooden Herb Garden Fence
What do you Sleep in?
Lars Falt in Sweden
Jerkying Around
Seasoning Cast Iron Pots
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Time to Stock up on Vitamin C
Hazel-The Wonder Wood!
Ian Nairn-A Week in the Woods (Tamarack Course Review)
Dave Watson-Another String For Your Bow
James Watson-Not Just For the Dogs! (Rawhide Container)
Mans Best Friend Can Lighten Your Load
Animal Tracks ID (Ian Maxwell) Book Review
Mike Armstrong-To Catch a Trout (DIY Copper Pipe Lure)
Chris Salisbury-Stag Nights!
Women in the Wild-Natural Beauty (Sally Pointer article/ ‘To dos’)
Chris Holland-Stories, Patterns & Bushcraft
Collecting Animal Tracks (Plaster of Paris)
George Thompson-Walnuts!
Chris Holland-Great Sitting Bugs!
Jeremy Hastings-A Summer Camp



ISSUE 11


Dave Budd-Freehand Sharpening

Dave Watson-Hand Drill Variants (Cordage)
Marcus Harrison-Berried...Or Berried (Red, Orange & Black Berries)
Small Woodland Creatures (Book Review)
Mike Armstrong-More About (Making) Lures
Firewood facts (Burning Qualities)
Wrapped up in Layers
Thomas Schorr-Kon- Mystery of Mistletoe
Make Your Own Axe (Gransfors course)
George Thompson-George & Mors in Canada & How to Make a Tin Whistle
Andrew Price-Desalination
James Watson-Arrow Making
Winter travels (Prep)
Bushcraft  Beats the Blues
It's a Christmas Tree (ID Piece)
Knots (Round turn & Two Half Hitches, Prussik, Timber & Truckers hitch)
Chris Salisbury-Presents or Presence
Be prepared-First Aid Kit Review
Chris Holland-Celebrating Death & Rebirth & Prints in Pooh!
Jeremy Hastings-A Winters Tale
The Gatherer

ISSUE 12

Dave Budd-UK Jungle Warfare
Dave Watson-Hand Drill Variants pt II
Andrew Price-Make a Box Oven
Marcus Harrison-Burdock
Neil Cowley-Learning for Disengaged Children
Ian Nairn-Get a Handle on the Situation
Mike Armstrong-Fish Prep
Chris Salisbury-Gorged & Bloated
Women In The Wild-Women Instructing in the Wild
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Pine
George Thompson-(Rounded End) Opinel Knife
What Knot? Overhand
James Watson-You are What You Think! (Bow Making)
Daisy May-Ray Mears Wild Food Book Review
Everyday Bushcraft Cedar Plank Stand
Glyn David-Every Second Counts
Grant Neale-Tarp Review
Chris Holland-Playing Out
Claire Morris-Artic Survival Challenge Course Review
Jeremy Hastings-It was an Old Year Yesterday
Fi Bird-Mussels

ISSUE 13

Dave Budd-Ultimate Bushcraft Tool, The Billhook
Andrew Price-Cooking Fish on a Stick
Ian Nairn-How to Carve a Wooden Cup
Marcus Harrison-A Whiff of Garlic in the Night (& Recipes)
Mike Lumino-Everyday Bushcraft (Pot Hanger)
Chris Salisbury-Spring Awakening
Grant Neale-Sock Review
Women in the Wild-Your Place or Mine? (Spiders)
Bushcraft on the British Coast
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Dandelion
Chris Holland-Follow That Log
Jeremy Hastings-Oimelc
Dave Watson-Fire by Pole Lathe
What Knot? Alpine Butterfly
Bushcraft Skills & How to Survive in the Wild Book Review
James Fox-Birch Polypores
Mike Armstrong-Plastic Bottles (Minnow Trap)
Glyn David-Having a Plan
Chris Holland-Beyond the Porcelain
Lindsey Burns-The Modern Native (Native Awareness Course Review)
Fi Bird-Rhubarb & Sweet Cecily
George Thompson-Making a Whimmy Diddle

ISSUE 14

Dave Budd-Which Axe?
Andrew Price-Making a Sycamore Twig Whistle
James Watson-You are What You Think! (Bows pt II)
Daisy May-The Wild Gourmets Book Review
Ian Nairn-Make a Folding Bucksaw
From Afghanistan to Derbyshire
Grant Neale-Insect Repellents 
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Yarrow
Becci Coombes-Wildwood Bushcraft Course Review
Jeremy Hastings-Spring Gifts
Dave Watson-Finding Tinder & Kindling in the Wet
What Knot? Figure of Eight Through Knot (Loop)
Top Tip-Fire Precautions
Marcus Harrison-Among the Lion’s Teeth (Dandelions)
Chris Salisbury-Snakes Alive!
Annette Stickler-The Solo Woman Traveller
Chris Holland-Bushcraft & the Sense of Direction
George Thompson-Making a Bullroarer
Fi Bird-Summer Food Safety (& Elderflower Recipes)
Chris Holland-Waterhole Wander

ISSUE 15

Dave Budd-Sharpening pt II
Andrew Price-Summer Shelter
Ray Mears Goes Walkabout Series Review
What Knot/ Uni Knot
Andrew Price-Paiute (Dead Fall) Trap
Chris Salisbury-Hotter Than July…
Grant Neale-Water Purifiers/ Filters
Women in the Wild-Women With an Axe to Grind
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Nettle
Fi Bird-Cherries & Berries
George Thompson-Make a Survival Tin!
Dave Watson-Pump Drill Firelighting
James Watson-Stone Me! (Sling Shot)
Marcus Harrison-Nettles (with recipes)
It’s a Sunny Day!
Paul O’Conner-Bushcraft on the TV
Chris Holland-First Aid Role Play
Hot, Hot,Hot! (Sun Protection)
Jonathon Simons-Tracking…
Daniel Grainger-Basic Survival
Jeremy Hastings-Summer Camp Midnight Fun
Chris Holland-A Model Camp Fire

ISSUE 16

Dave Budd-UK Knife Law
Selecting a Canadian Canoe
Bark
Andrew Price-Spring Release Traps
Chris Salisbury-Nature’s Olympians (Salmon etc)
What Knot? Sheet Bend
Bob Jenkins-Charcloth Wick
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Clover
Jack Burgess-Mushrooming Without Fear Book Review
Chris Holland-Woodland Olympics pt I 
Dave Watson-Fire Steel Stages of Competence
James Watson-A So Call Weed, Plantain
Marcus Harrison-It’s Porkie time (Hogweed)
Camouflage
Rewilding, For & Against?
Annette Stickler-Stella Marsden CBE, a Tribute
Jonathan Simons-All Sense & no Feeling?
Fi Bird-Chanterelle
George Thompson-Make a Catapult

ISSUE 17

Dave Budd-Winter Tool Care
Dave Watson-The Classic Bow Drill
Aussie Swag Review
Ray Mears Vanishing World Review
Annette Stickler-Concrete Jungle Survival
Chris Salisbury-Day Turns to Night
Jonathan Simons-Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Winter Wonderland
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Reedmace
George Thompson-Making a Hedgehog House
John Rhyder-Looking After the Land
How to Make a Nest Box
Marcus Harrison-On a Cold & Frosty Morning
Andrew Price-Location, location, location (trapping)
Grant Neale-Handmade Knife Review
Lisa Fenton-Tickling a Trout
Marine Mammal Medic
Fi Bird-Hazelnuts & Rosehips
Chris Holland-Woodland Olympics pt II, French Arrow Throwing
What Knot? Flemish Knot

ISSUE 18

Dave Budd-What to Look For in a Handmade Knife
John Rhyder-How to Cut Wood
James Watson-Adhere to Nature (Hide Glue)
Grant Neale-Cooking Without a Fire (Stove Review)
A New Prospect-ive
Andrew Price-The Figure 4 Deadfall Trap
Ian Nairn-The Woolen Top
Jonathan Simons-Tools of the (Tracking) Trade
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Willow
Andrew Price-Damascene Knife Making
Jeremy Hastings-Winter Was Drawing to an End
Marcus Harrison-Tea For Two
What Knot? Double Fishermans
Field Guide to Tracking Animals in the Snow Review
Use Your Nod!
Chris Salisbury-A new Years Treat
Chris & Elizabeth Irwin-Baby Carrier Review
Annette Stickler-Snow Woman (Telemark)
Natures Hardware Store-Hide
Fi Bird-Venison Meatballs With Lemon & Thyme
George Thompson-How to Make a Paracord Bracelet
Chris Holland-Woodland Olympics pt III

ISSUE 19

Dave Budd-Emperor’s New Clothes (making a new sheath)
What Knot? Rolling Hitch
Hedgerow Medicine (book review)
Dave Watson -Leave no Trace
Hammock Review
Spring Clean
Andrew Price-Survival Fishing Kit
Jonathan Simons-Show me a sign
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Oak
GVI Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest Expedition (review)
George Thompson-Try a ‘Try’ Stick (pt I)
Clay 
Marcus Harrison-Coffee Mate? (Coffee and Alternatives)
John Rhyder-It’s Child’s Play
James Watson-No Space for Boredom (Jerky)
Lisa Fenton-Between Two Worlds
Mears-v-Grylls
Leather Pouches
Annette Stickler-On the High Trail by Horse Tail
Chris Salisbury-Spring Fever!
Fi Bird-Crystallised Violets
Jeremy Hastings-The Search…(pt I)
Chris Holland-Woodland Olympics pt IV

ISSUE 20

Dave Budd-How to Make a Knife
Willow Wood
What Knot? The Palomar
Survival Handbook (In Association with) The Royal Marines Review
Ian Maxwell  (interview)
Ian Nairn-Budget Lighting 
Bear Grylls-Face to Face
James Watson-A Sharp Knife is Worth Less Than Knowledge (Primitive Tools)
Thomas Shorr-Kon-Meadowsweet
Jonathan Simons-Why oh Why, Delilha! (Tracking Tips)
Graham Rideal-In Canada With Ray Mears (Red Nose Day)
George Thompson ‘Try’ Stick (pt II)
Marcus Harrison-What Not to Eat!
John Rhyder-Minimal Impact Around Camp
Claire Knifton-Open Canoes-What’s Out There?
Dave Watson-Carrying a Coal
Keeping a Cool Head Hat Review
Joe O’Leary-The Journey is More Important Than the Destination
Andrew Price-Hobo Fishing
Grant Neale-When You Can’t have a Fire, How do You Cook? (Stove Review)
Annette Stickler-A Day in the Life of a Deer Lady…
Chris Salisbury-Wings of Desire
Jeremy Hastings-The Search…(pt II)
Chris Holland-Woodland Olympics pt V-Relay


ISSUE 21

Dave Budd-Splitting Firewood pt I
John Rhyder-The Simple Bark Quiver
Jonathan Simons-Stalking…Horses? (Stealth)
Dave Watson-Fire by Friction With Children
The Woodland Edge Firebox & Storm Kettle Reviews
A New Look at the Survival Tin
Ian Nairn-Billy Cans
James Watson-Your Flexible Friend (Flexible Bow)
Grant Neale-Binocular Review
Annette Stickler-The Wicker Woman (& DIY Project)
Chris Salisbury-Under the Greenwood tree
Ian Nairn-Wilderness Survival Skills Hide Working Course Review
Fraser Christian-Smoking Fish
What Knot? The Water Knot
The Woodland Year, The Woodland Way & The Woodland House Book Review
What’s Bear Really Like? (Q&A)
Joe O’Leary-Maps
Andrew Price-Fishing With the Deadly Dead Line
Chris James-Antler
See For Yourself-Sunglasses & UV Clothing
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Comfrey
Jo Scholfield & Fiona Danks-DIY Camping
George Thompson-Make a Nautical Knot Board
Chris Holland-Woodland Olympics pt VI

ISSUE 22

Dave Budd-Splitting Firewood pt II
John Rhyder-Folded Bark Project
What Knot? The Constrictor Knot
Go Wild! & Places to Hide Book Reviews
Fraser Christian-Easy Shellfish Forage
Grant Neale-Rucksacks
Andrew Price-Kayak Fishing
Chris James-Air
Patrick Fulton-Living in the Trees
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Marigold
Fi Bird-Mushrooms
Chris Irwin-Gilwell 24
George Thompson-Blackberries! (and Homemade Berry picker)
Fergus Drennan-Fungi as Food
What type of Bushcrafter are you?
Jonathan Simons-The Light Fantastic
Dave Watson-Advanced Class Bow drill
Joe O’Leary-Using Your Map
Ian Nairn-The Tin Can Stove
Have I Found the Perfect Sleeping Setup?
Claire Knifton-Open Canoes-The Final Test
Annette Stickler-A Lady With a Quiver
Chris Salisbury-The Show Must Go On! (Early Autumn)
Jo Scholfield & Fiona Danks-Fun Cooking on an Open Fire
Chris Holland-Soaring Eagles

ISSUE 23

Fergus Drennan-Winter Salads
Clair Hobson-Bushcraft & Forest Schools, the Classroom Without Walls
Dave Budd-Re-handling an Axe
Words of Wisdom-Bear Grylls
Real Tree, Fake Tree-You Decide
Grant Neale-The Best in Ventile Jackets
Andrew Price-Hunting with an Air Rifle
Chris Salisbury-The Transition
Ian Nairn-Boil in the Bag Meals
Luca Parrella-How to Build a Roundhouse Like the Ancient Britons
Annette Stickler-A Tribute to Marilyn Bailey
Patricia McCormack-Birthday Celebrations in the Wilderness
John Rhyder-Pot Hangers (Fire Crane & Wagon Stick)
What Knot? The Alpine Butterfly
Jonanthan Simons-That is the Question!
Dave Watson-Strap Drill
Fraser Christian-Catching & Trapping Fish & Shellfish
Lindsey Dearnley-A picture is Worth a 1000 Words
Jack Burgess- A-Z Bushcraft, Wildwise The Art of Fire & I Love my World Book/ DVD Review
Christmas Gift ideas
Thomas Schorr-Kon-A Rose by Any Other Name
Grant Neale-Merino Wool, What Did We Do Without it?
George Thompson-Wreaths
Fi Bird-Chestnuts
Fiona Danks & Jo Schofield-Natural Missile Launchers
Outdoor Learning (Cool Crafts)

ISSUE 24

Fergus Drennan-Road Kill
A Dummies Guide to Choosing a Bushcraft Knife
Jonathan Simons-Ice Station Zebra (Wolf Tracking)
Northern Wilderness, Bushcraft & Survival vol 8 & The Poachers Handbook & Cookbook Reviews
Grant Neale-Sleeping & Bivi Bags
Fraser Christian-Seaweeds (Algae) Forages & Uses
Ian Nairn-Budget Bladder
Annette Stickler-The Lady of the Woods (Silver Birch Tree)
Tristan Gooley-Using the Sun pt II
Fiona Danks & Jo Schofield-Snowy Secrets
Grant Neale-Bushcraft Footwear
John Rhyder-Back-Country Cooking (DIY Ovens etc)
What Knot? The Snell
Perry McGee-Words of Wisdom
Nic Westerman-Char Cloth
Rawdon O’Conner-Tracking in Bear Country
Andrew Price-The Catapult as a Hunting Tool
Pablo-No Business Like Snow Business
Jason Ingamells-Carve your Own Spoon
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Coltsfoot
Ian Cresswell-Desert Survival
Fi Bird-Seaweed
Your Favourite Tree (and How to Gauge it’s Age/ Height)

ISSUE 25

Fergus Drennan-The Sap’s Rising
Dave Budd-What Saw?
Pablo-Badger Watching Battles
Nick Westerman-Striking a Spark
Ben Fogle the Adventurer 
Jason Ingamells-Building a Raised Bed for Your Shelter
Fraser Christian-Some Shore Food Plants
Grant Neale-Handmade Knives
Fi Glover-Spring Fayre
Thomas Schorr-Kon-Cedar
Andrew Price-Tanning Small Pelts
George Thompson-Natural Easter Eggs
John Rhyder-Ultimate Ash Bow
David Fairclough-Earthquake Survival
Lost Crafts, The Armchair Naturalist & the Badgers & Beeches & Blisters Book Reviews
James Cale-Outdoor Digital Cameras
Words of Wisdom-Mors Kochanski
Ian Nairn-April Showers (Poncho)
Annette Stickler-Woman of the Lake
Jonathan Simons-Stick in the Mud
Tristan Gooley-The Night Sky pt I
Fiona Danks & Jo Scholfield-Fishing for Your Supper
A Rotten Log





Issues 26-50 can be found here, issues 51-75 here and issues 76-100  here.