Ray is one of the few true outdoor legends and since 1983 he 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 extensive history, Ray has led courses in many diverse environments and has spent time with some of the last remaining indigenous peoples in some of the remotest places on the planet.

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".

David grew up on Salisbury Plain, spending much of his youth exploring the outdoors and travelling around the UK. His early interest in navigation began at age 8 during a trip to Dartmoor with his father. Time in the Army further developed his resilience and outdoor skills across diverse environments, from jungles to arid regions.

In 2007, a Woodlore bushcraft course transformed his perspective, inspiring him to value the journey as much as the destination. He continued building his skills through study and hands-on experience across Britain, eventually joining the Woodlore team in 2011 and qualifying as an Aspirant Instructor in 2017.

Today, David shares his knowledge and passion for bushcraft with others, encouraging a deeper connection to the natural world. He believes that even the most familiar landscapes in Britain still hold a sense of true wilderness for those willing to slow down and experience them.

As a child growing up in Wiltshire, Steve spent much of his spare time in the outdoors cooking over a campfire, camping out with friends and has always enjoyed being in the woods. When he was older Steve didn't lose this passion, instead it progressed into hill walking, deer stalking and starting a career in conservation.

Steve feels bushcraft is a fun and practical medium to allow us to see and use the vast diversity of renewable resources that our natural world offers and therefore gives us a deeper respect for nature. In 2016, Steve passed the Woodlore Aspirant Instructor test and received his Aspirant Instructor certificate.

Steve comments: Spending time in a natural environment reminds you that you are not separate from the woods, you are a part of it. I love the feeling of just taking a few belongings to make life possible and relying on your skills and wit to live comfortably.

Tom was brought up in Wiltshire where he developed a love of the outdoors. With strong Welsh roots, summer holidays were spent on the North coast of Pembrokeshire where he developed his range of water skills – fishing, surfing, kayaking and coasteering. Always a strong swimmer, Tom is a former Junior Welsh surf swim Champion and professional beach lifeguard.

Tom was introduced to Woodlore through a Fundamental Bushcraft course gifted as a birthday present and after completing his Campcraft course the following year, he was invited to attend selection.

In 2011, Tom passed the Woodlore Aspirant Instructor test and received his Aspirant Instructor certificate.

Tom says: I once took a day off school to attend a book signing by Ray at a local bookshop, where my mum asked Ray if he did apprenticeships. Although Ray laughed and declined, I am delighted to be where I am today and developing my experience!

Callum has spent the majority of his time in the countryside of West Sussex and the surrounding areas since he was very young. Callum's first introduction to Woodlore was when he attended the Junior Fundamental Bushcraft course at the age of thirteen. Caught by the bushcraft bug, he then applied and completed two work experience placements before joining the Woodlore team in January 2010.

In 2020, Callum passed the Woodlore Aspirant Instructor test and received his Aspirant Instructor certificate.

Callum says: To work at Woodlore, with the knowledge, enthusiasm and practical skill of the team is always exciting and presents vast opportunities to progress. I enjoy the rigor and reward of outdoor living, but I also thoroughly enjoy being a part of each student realising the magic of bushcraft. There is something wholly satisfying in watching individuals overcoming challenges and learning new skills.

Wayne was born and bred on the Isle of Wight, where he still resides with his wife and two children. Growing up he enjoyed many outdoor activities based around the sea, including windsurfing, fishing and coastal camping.

Wayne has enjoyed travelling to many countries over the years, and has come to realise how this develops you as a person, giving you both experience and confidence in dealing with life's situations.

A keen follower of Ray's work, Wayne embarked on the Arctic Bushcraft Course February 2009. Following this, he began work as an assistant in 2010.

Wayne was promoted to Aspirant Instructor at the start of the 2024 season.

Wayne comments: Since working for Woodlore I have been impressed by the high standards and level of professionalism demonstrated by the entire team, and have been able to add to my skills through training and guidance.

Dee grew up in a rural mining village in Shropshire.

She has been working in environmental conservation for National Trust since 2009. Her work in conservation focuses on engaging young people from urban areas with nature through training, volunteering and outdoor activities that help improve the environment for both people and wildlife.

Dee first attended a course with Woodlore in 2016 to improve the skills that would help engage young people in Birmingham. The quality of the course, the skill level and enthusiasm of the instructors inspired her to go on the Fundamental Bushcraft in 2017. Dee joined the team in 2018 and she is a great support to both the team and our clients.

Dee says: The courses have given me the confidence and desire to challenge myself both at work and on my own adventures and I hope that as I continue to learn and develop my own skills and knowledge I can inspire others to do the same.

Rob grew up in Buckinghamshire, exploring the woods of the Chiltern Hills and developing a lifelong love of nature and birdwatching, inspired by his grandfather. He discovered bushcraft in the early 1990s through The Survival Handbook, a book he borrowed so often the librarian urged him to let others have a turn.

Through Scouts, Rob spent much of his youth camping, hiking and canoeing, earning both the Queen’s Scout Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Expeditions across the UK led to later travels in Scandinavia, Canada and beyond.

A qualified veterinary surgeon since 1999, Rob specialises in equine dentistry and runs his own practice. His passion for the outdoors led him to Woodlore, where courses helped unite his interests in nature and bushcraft. After attending several programmes, often with his daughter, he joined the Woodlore team as an assistant in 2024, keen to share his enthusiasm and continue learning.

As a child Ian grew up in the urban environment of Manchester, however he was lucky enough to live opposite a park with a large green space and reservoirs, and often biked up to the Peak District with friends.

Ian enjoys hiking and has been lucky enough over the past few years to travel over to Finland and spend weeks in their national parks, including Kolovesi and Lemmenjoki. Since attending a Carving Masterclass with Ray, Ian has been bitten by the wood carving bug, having carved immeasurable number of spoons, utensils and kuska.

Ian comments: I first attended the Fundamental Bushcraft course in 2013, this fundamentally changed the course of my life as I realised from this my passion for dendrology, I attended Plumpton College and became a qualified Woodland Manager and commercial Forester. It is an absolute honour and privilege to be joining the Woodlore team and I am hoping to help and inspire future students.

Josh grew up in South Gloucestershire, spending much of his childhood outdoors—climbing trees, playing in streams and camping. These early experiences fostered a lasting connection to nature and a strong sense of responsibility toward it. As a teenager, he explored the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire and Dartmoor, where he began to value not just the destination, but the journey itself.

Now based in Oslo, Josh works as a filmmaker and photographer, making the most of Norway’s varied landscapes. He spends his time paddling, skiing, hiking and filming wildlife throughout the year. Over the past six years, he has travelled to the Arctic to experience the boreal forest.

Josh holds a degree in Design and Photography from Kingston University, where he later worked as a guest lecturer. Inspired by Woodlore from a young age, he joined the team as an assistant, eager to keep learning and share his passion for bushcraft.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Luke developed a strong connection to nature while camping around Strangford Lough and exploring the Mourne Mountains. His passion grew through Scouting, where a dedicated mentor instilled traditional skills and values that continue to shape his outlook. He believes bushcraft, like scouting, must be learned through shared experience, not theory alone.

In 2008, Luke moved to northern Scotland to study forest management and now works with Forest and Land Scotland, focusing on sustainability. His role allows him to contribute to environmental, economic and social outcomes in the landscapes he cares about.

Luke sees bushcraft as a bridge between past and present, combining traditional skills with modern approaches to help people live and travel lightly on the land. He is passionate about supporting others on their Woodlore journey, building confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Rhys grew up in the Wye Valley, spending much of his time exploring local woods by foot and bike. His early love of the outdoors remains unchanged—he still enjoys simple pleasures like den building decades later.

Introduced to Woodlore through a carving course gifted by his wife, Rhys has since completed numerous courses in the UK and abroad. These experiences strengthened his resilience, adaptability and confidence—skills that extend well beyond bushcraft.

Rhys has been an Explorer Scout Leader for nearly 15 years and is a trustee of Scouts Cymru. He has supported international expeditions to Norway and the Czech Republic, helping young people develop independence and outdoor skills.

When not in the woods, he enjoys hill walking, cycle touring and outdoor cooking. Having been inspired as a participant, Rhys is excited to join the Woodlore team and help others gain confidence, skills and a lasting connection to the outdoors.

Steven has spent his life in the High Weald of Sussex, where a free-range childhood saw him fishing local streams and crafting bows from hazel. This early immersion in nature shaped a lifelong connection to the countryside.

He went on to build a career as a nature reserve warden, working for over 30 years in the same woodland. This long-term stewardship has given him a deep understanding of the landscape, where he feels part of the ecology rather than a visitor.

Steven discovered bushcraft later in life while attending a tracking course to develop his deer stalking skills. Inspired, he progressed through further training, including the Fundamental Bushcraft and Journeyman courses, and joined the Woodlore team.

He brings decades of practical experience and knowledge, and is passionate about sharing these skills with others, helping people connect more closely with the natural world.