Fundamental Bushcraft Severnside

  1 of 5

  Sadly I was disappointed with this course. Despite being a lot more expensive than similar courses I decided to opt for this course as it has the ‘Ray Mears’ brand and as such I expected it to be worth the extra money. I hope this review will highlight the areas of the course that I personally felt were poor and help improve the course for people in the future. Despite the knowledge of the instructors I found the course chaotic and communication between the instructors and with us directly to be lacking. Twice I was told the incorrect information or simply not informed which led to me being late. I found the course to be poorly organised. Often I felt we were just left with very little guidance and there was a laziness to this, like it was easier to give us a task and then leave us for a few hours often without seeing an instructor. Another example of this was having a lecture on cordage at 9.30pm, after a long day and after dark. Such lessons should be taught in daylight and I don’t feel such lessons are ideal by the light of a fire or lantern. There was also a number of lesson at the start of the week that were dragged out which left the final days feeling very rushed. Despite being reassured that Woodlore can cater for all diets, I thought the thought and effort behind the vegetarian food to be very poor indeed and drastically needs improvement. To be told to make a vegetarian stew but without vegetarian stock cubes being available, lunches with ham and pate but no vegetarian alternative. Once again I feel there was a laziness and lack of effort by Woodlore on this front. Despite these things I met some interesting people and learnt a number of new things. I plan to continue to study bushcraft but will probably try a different company next time.  

  Aaron

  2 of 5

  What can I say? Slept in the stick shelter on the first full night; bivvied out in the rain on the second night, slept by the fire on the third… I loved every minute of it! I chose this particular course (along with fellow Reviewer Dave Howells) as I knew it was essentially virgin land, – and it certainly was! Woods and tinder galore! A word of caution, said location does contain steep areas – but as one who broke his leg less than a year ago & successfully completed the course, you’ll be fine! Another note – make plenty of notes daily and review them each night with others in the group. There were 13 men (eighteen to retired!) and two women and we all got on like a house on fire. The instructors were amazing. Very informative, kind and patient to the point you could knock them over with a feather-stick. Brian – Instructor – stuck for ages with my little trio as we finally managed to light a fire in the torrential rain – yes – it’s possible to light a wet fire with natural materials and a ferrous rod! Brian was absolutely and astonishingly amazing – he was much better than the other instructors – so much so he deserves an award, a medal and an Order of the Garter. Having asked us to write about him in such glowing terms he also knows this Review will be edited by the Office team… ;p The food served was amazing – I was determined not to take with me any added provisions (like sweets). I’m glad I did – I lost weight (yay), but wasn’t found wanting throughout the week long course. So no worries on the food front. I highly recommend this course to everyone. It truly is well worth it, from catching sight of wild deer to showering naked in the woods to busting your gut on the bow drill, every element of this course came together beautifully. Would definitely do it again if it was free, but I have my sights on the Navigation and Tracking Courses next… Keith, Brian & Dave the Instructors were amazing. I couldn’t have asked or wished for better ones – they work well as a team and compliment each other. The sound of laughter reverberating through the trees was a constant throughout and lifted all of our spirits. Look forward to meeting the team again – once I’ve cracked that bow drill… ouch…  

  Barry Johnston

  3 of 5

  What an experience! The location was being used for the first time and this was evident from the abundance of dead wood and tinder. Dry tinder becomes more important than your wallet, on this course. I will never look at honeysuckle bark the same way again. The patience of the instructors was commendable - thank you Keith, Dave & Brian. This course is as intense as you want to make it, there are several projects which take a variable amount of time depending on your motivation - spoon making, looking after your knife, nettle cordage, bow drill practice, producing fire with a ferrous rod, snare making, fish hook making, carving feather sticks, tent pegs, withy making and finally a pot hanger. There is an enjoyable test on the final day which involves a written test - plant identification / bushcraft knowledge and practical skills ( 3 separate demonstrations of fire lighting). This course is thorough, hard work and very rewarding. Every member of our group enjoyed it.  

  David Howells

  4 of 5

  Come prepared for a tiring, physically and mentally challenging course, which you will find supremely satisfying. Lots of information about tools, fire, shelter, water and use of the local flora and environment, always with safety first. Projects to keep you very busy throughout the week guided by the excellent Keith Whitehead, David Southey and Brian Fox, all of whom were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. The students with all their little idiosyncrasies all added to the weeks challenge. A huge thanks to Woodlore, Keith, David and Brian. I will be planning to return for some more.  

  Peter Moss

  5 of 5

  A fantastic course taught by knowledgeable and patient teachers offering a wide variety of skills and knowledge in a lovely location near the banks of the river Severn. Throughout the week I thoroughly enjoyed almost every moment of the course. Instructions were clear and concise and all advice constructive. The instructors really pushed the extra mile to ensure everyone was learning efficiently and effectively. The group dynamic was lovely although may vary depending on your group. The course lasted a week but could have easily lasted another with the sheer volume of information. The week spent with Dave, Brian and Keith (instructors) was a memory I will cherish to the grave. I could not be more positive about this course and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with even half an interest. It is also suitable for people of any age or ability as our group ranged from an 18 year old to a couple of people who were retired. 10/10 would do it again in a heartbeat, worth every penny and more.  

  Patrick Joseph William Mullally