Author Archives: Woodlore Limited

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About Woodlore Limited

Woodlore, The School of Wilderness Bushcraft, was founded in 1983 by the British Bushcraft expert, Ray Mears. Paving the way for Bushcraft courses in the UK, Woodlore began with Ray teaching small groups of students the knowledge and techniques that he had spent most of his early life honing. With Ray’s ambition and perserverance, Woodlore has since grown into a world-renowned and highly respected school, offering in-depth courses on a wide range of bushcraft and survival subjects.

Winter Crafts

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The following post was written by Woodlore Senior Assistant, Ross Burt:

It’s that time of year when work goes quiet. Does that mean that it’s time to rest? NO! It means that I can get out into the woods and practice my skills, as well as produce items to sell or, in this case, give as a Christmas present! So, not only am I out practising and gaining more knowledge, I am also saving money and giving someone a much-needed gift.

I have just finished two chopping boards and a hanger for them; there is one from beech (this will be used for vegetables) and one from oak (for meat). There’s a give-away on the boards that suggests what each one should be used for! The hanger is made of oak and I decided to make the pegs from the same materials as each board.

Ross' Handmade Chopping Boards

Ross’ Handmade Chopping Boards

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Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears – Episode 4 – ‘Galloway’

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You can now watch the fourth episode of Ray’s brand new series, Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears, online. Simply click on the image below to be taken to the official ITV Player website:

Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears - Episode 4 - Galloway

If you missed episode three, which saw Ray exploring the rugged landscape of Snowdonia, you can catch up on the ITV Player here.

Ray Mears Reviews Virunga, the Movie

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The following post was written by Woodlore’s founder, Ray Mears. You can now watch Virunga online, via Netflix.

This week I was privileged to attend the London premiere of a new feature-length documentary. Surrounded by a packed house, the Curzon cinema on the Kings Road was the venue for what can best be described as a phenomenon. I sat enthralled as the audience around me laughed, gasped and cried; two ladies beside me were so moved that they sobbed uncontrollably in floods of tears. At the end of the screening the titles rolled to cheers and rapturous applause. The film is Virunga.

“It is a true story; a story happening now; a story that all who care about nature should take an interest in. I urge you to watch it.”

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Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears – Episode 4 – ‘Galloway’

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Ray Mears on location in Galloway, Scotland

Ray Mears on location in Galloway, Scotland

The fourth episode of Ray’s latest series hits our screens next week, with Ray travelling to Galloway in southwestern Scotland. To see it first, tune in at 7:30 PM on Tuesday 11th November, on ITV1. For viewers in Wales, the episode will be first shown at 1:00 PM on Sunday 16th November.

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October Delights – The Best Month for Foraging

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The following post was written by Woodlore Senior Assistant, Mark Booton:

If you were to ask me what my favourite month is, I’d answer October without hesitation. The reason for this could be one of a number of things: It was the month I met my wife – we always go away for an October half term break – and I also look forward to the Woodlore end of season staff barbecue. These, though, aren’t the real reasons. I love October for one above all others – foraging.

Foraging in October

I simply love to forage for wild fungi, and October never lets you down. September can be amazing, but it is a fickle month on the foraging calendar. It blows hot and cold. A late autumn and September can produce little. November can be good, but the enjoyment is always slightly tarnished because all too soon it will be over. October is the month.

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Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears – Episode 3 – ‘Snowdonia’

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You can now watch the third episode of Ray’s brand new series, Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears, online. Simply click on the image below to be taken to the official ITV Player website:

Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears - Episode 3

If you missed episode two, which saw Ray discovering the Thames Path by canoe, you can catch up on the ITV Player here.

Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears – Episode 3 – ‘Snowdonia’

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Ray Mears on location in Snowdonia

Ray Mears on location in Snowdonia

Ray’s latest series, Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears, hits the halfway point next week with its third episode, airing at 7:30 PM on Tuesday 28th October, on ITV1. For viewers in Wales, episode 3 will be aired at 12:10 PM on Sunday 2nd November.

In episode three, Ray visits Snowdonia and discovers how, in the rugged landscapes around Britain’s highest mountain, there are forms of wildlife which survive against all the odds, and can only be found in this very special part of Wales.

In one segment, mammal traps are laid overnight to see how much wildlife is roaming on a particularly tightly-cropped hillside, and Ray is surprised at the results:

“Putting those traps down has completely transformed my understanding of this landscape – I would never have thought there could be so many small mammals in ground that’s so heavily grazed; it makes you think again, and that’s the beauty of that kind of research.”

If you missed episode two, which saw Ray travelling down the River Thames by canoe, you can catch up on the ITV Player here.

Wabakimi Adventures, by Ray Mears

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Ray-Mears-Campfire

Canadian canoe journeys are always special; they have a unique ability to purge the spirit of the unwanted static that accumulates in our technological lives. I am not sure why, whether it is the simplicity of life as a canoeist, or the pristine quietude of the wilderness; perhaps it is the honest labour of muscles propelling you through the lakes and waterways. Whatever it is, the effect is to cleanse and rejuvenate the soul. So when I was asked if I could squeeze a late September reconnaissance expedition to Northwest Ontario into my schedule, I took a crowbar to the fixtures in my diary. Continue reading →

Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears – Episode 2 – ‘Thames Path’

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You can now watch the long-awaited second episode of Ray’s brand new series, Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears, online. Simply click on the image below to be taken to the official ITV Player website:

Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears - Episode 2