Woodlore Blog

The following post was written by Woodlore’s Aspirant Instructor and Quartermaster, Keith Whitehead:

Woodlore Team Member Keith Whitehead

During our many months spent in the field, we have the chance to see much wonderful wildlife and most of it is a joy to behold. There are some exceptions to this rule however, and racing its way to the top of most people’s lists of unwelcome visitors is the humble slug.

At this point you may be expecting me to extol the edible virtues of this creature in order to curry favour for the unpopular pest, but in truth they are best avoided; if you want a meal, put them on a hook and use them as bait. There is more to the average slug than meets the eye though and a recent encounter prompted me to investigate a little further.

(more…)

Traditional Swedish singer Yana Mangi

As you will no doubt be aware, 2013 is a very special year for us here, as it marks Woodlore’s Thirtieth Anniversary. However, this is not the only anniversary that we will be celebrating this year - 2013 also marks the twentieth year that we have been running our Arctic Experience expeditions in Swedish Lapland. To celebrate our twentieth year in the Arctic wilderness, Woodlore have invited world-renowned Sami singer Yana Mangi to join us in our adventure. (more…)

Here at Woodlore HQ, we’ve asked the members of our full-time team to pick their favourite courses and kit from our range, to find out just what it is that makes them so good. Team member Steven Bullen picked his Bergans Sauda Down Jacket:

Steven in his Bergans Sauda Down Jacket and Fjallraven Trousers

(more…)

As we all know, one of the most important factors when venturing out in cold conditions is to take care of your extremities – that is, your head, hands and feet. Body heat is lost at a much faster rate from these areas than elsewhere on the body, so it is essential to protect them with some decent headwear, gloves and socks. Today we’ll be looking at some of the best winter hats on the market, as chosen by Ray Mears and the Woodlore Team.

1. Possum Fur and Merino Wool Beanie Hat

First up is the modern classic that is the Possum and Merino Beanie Hat. Made in New Zealand as a by-product of their Possum Control Programme, this beanie makes an environmentally sound choice while providing you with a luxuriously soft and warm bit of headwear. The fur of the possum features a hollow core, and it is this detail (shared only with the polar bear) that helps make this hat even more insulating than traditional 100% woollen versions.

The Possum Fur and Merino Wool Beanie Hat

(more…)