Introducing David
As part of our ongoing series introducing the Woodlore outdoor team, I recently sat down with David for a chat about his journey into bushcraft, his time with Woodlore, and what he enjoys most about teaching outdoor skills.
With a background that includes Army survival training, a long-standing interest in navigation, and a deep appreciation for the British countryside, he brings a thoughtful and encouraging approach to his teaching.
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A Conversation with Ray Mears
I was recently lucky enough to catch Ray between one adventure and another and took the chance to ask a few questions about something deceptively simple: the compass case. What followed was a wide-ranging conversation, moving from craftsmanship and materials to navigation, reliability, and the quiet confidence that comes from understanding the land.
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Introducing Wayne
Here at Woodlore, we’re busy preparing to welcome everyone who has chosen to join us on a course this year. From the woods to the classroom, there’s a quiet sense of anticipation as we get ready to share skills, stories, and time outdoors with you.
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It is with deep sadness that Woodlore shares the news of the untimely passing of Lars Fält:
I was very upset to learn of the passing of Lars Fält, there is something unsettling about it, survival instructors aren’t supposed to die. Especially Lars who always emanated invincibility. But as they say only the rocks live forever.
The fire crackles low against the dusk, its warmth battling a cool wind drifting through the gaps in the shelter. Muscles ache, hands are calloused, and yet there’s a quiet confidence among the group. These are not just students of bushcraft anymore. They are Journeymen.
But here’s the surprising truth: the Woodlore Journeyman Course was never designed as an elite summit of bushcraft training. When it was first conceived, it was intended simply as the next step beyond the fundamentals. Yet over time, it has gained a reputation—a test of grit, a course people whisper about with hesitation.
“I’m not sure I’m ready,” many say.
And yet readiness is not the point. The only requirement is completing the Woodlore Fundamental Course. Some students take a gap to consolidate their skills; others step straight into Journeyman. Either way, what they discover is that the course isn’t about being fully prepared—it’s about finding out how much more capable you are than you ever imagined.
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Our second instalment from Senior Assistant Callum Hilder, of his recent solo trip to the Cairngorm National Park:
As I wake (a little late!) to the sun glowing through the walls of my tent, I climb out of my sleeping bag and have a simple breakfast by the side of the river – even more majestic in the dawn sunlight.
Tent in the morning
Chris Boyton
It is with deep sadness that Woodlore shares the news of the untimely passing of Chris Boyton:
There are a few names that stand out in the history of British archery, King Henry I, King Edward I, Robyn Hode, King Henry V, Roger Ascham, Adrian Eliot Hodgkin and Robert Hardy. To these revered champions of Archery must now be added Christopher Boyton. Who sadly passed away on Sunday.
Gordon Hillman
It is with deep regret that Woodlore must pass on this sad news:
There is truly only one certainty in any human being’s life, one day our time on the earth will end. Sadly, that moment came for Professor Gordon Hillman on Saturday, when after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease he passes quietly from this world.
Last weekend saw the Woodlore outdoor team gather together for their annual staff training. This year, the team took an in-depth view of some of the essential professional skills required to run successful courses safely in any environment. We were joined by Jamie Cooke, a world leader in resuscitation practice and Specialist Instructor on our First Aid courses, who gave the team their regular top-up of knowledge and training. Ray led the team in looking at the complications and hazards of leading overseas expeditions and how we can use our experiences to improve and inform our teaching on Woodlore’s exceptional range of UK training courses.
Team Training 2017
Between times, the team had the opportunity to come together and enjoy the warmth of the Woodlore camp fire, sharing food and stories of what has happened since the last season together. On the final day, Ray once again led the team and demonstrated a rich diversity of skills which will be embedded into our courses over the coming year. Woodlore is constantly moving forward in terms of equipment, knowledge and technique so these times spent together in the woods are essential. It means that our clients in the coming year will have a learning experience that is current, relevant and absolutely second to none.
The Ray Mears & Woodlore Bushcraft Blog 