Bushcraft Courses

Courses with Ray Mears

Ray Mears is one of the few true outdoor legends, who for nearly 30 years has been running courses in the UK and overseas, sharing his knowledge with those who have sought to learn more about our unique world. It is often said that before Woodlore, there was no Bushcraft in the UK.

During Woodlore's near 30-year history, Ray has led courses in many diverse environments, including the Arctic, jungle, rainforest and desert. During these travels, Ray has been fortunate enough to spend time with some of the world's last remaining indigenous peoples, in some of the remotest places on the planet. Tracking has long been a passion of Rays and with 40 years dedicated to the study and interpretation of sign, Ray brings a unique wealth of knowledge of this specialist skill to the team.

Quietly spoken, Ray is recognised worldwide as a true master of the outdoors. Having spent the majority of his life learning to be at home in places others describe as hostile, he has unparalleled experience and in-depth knowledge. It is this that enables Ray to design, develop and lead exciting expeditions for Woodlore. Ray continues to work tirelessly to share his understanding so that others may "drink from the well of bushcraft".

 Arctic Experience with Lars Falt 2013

Around the northern hemisphere runs a vast forest – the Taiga. An almost continual belt from North America to Eurasia, the Taiga covers much of Sweden, Finland, inland Norway, northern Kazakhstan and Russia (particularly Siberia), most of inland Alaska and Canada as well as northern parts of the US. The Taiga is the single largest community of trees and associated animals – or 'biome' - on the planet. Characterised by coniferous trees such as pine and spruce as well as animals such as lynx, wolf, bear, wolverine and reindeer this is an awe-inspiring wilderness.

 Tracking in Namibia with Ray Mears

Join Ray Mears and Woodlore for an amazing course and an adventure of a lifetime. You will experience the bush in a way that can be offered nowhere else.

Drawing on his 40 years of tracking experience, Ray will teach you the fascinating and ancient art of locating and interpreting the tracks and traces left behind by wild creatures in stunning surroundings.

 Walk in the Woods with Ray Mears

Secrets of the forest - look deep into the forest and what can you see? Trees, bushes, birds, plants and what else? Walking with Ray is one of the most fascinating experiences you can encounter. What just seemed to be the woods becomes an enchantment and an historic enlightenment, as he takes you back to how our ancestors lived in harmony with their surroundings telling stories as he goes.

 Woodlore Advanced Tracking Course with Ray Mears

Forty years ago, Ray began following the trails left behind by wild creatures across the countryside near to his home. Since then he has spent precious time with many indigenous peoples around the globe whose lives depend upon this ancient skill. This has enabled him to develop his ability to an extraordinary degree.