Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared - learn the skills to be self-sufficient in the wild and implement them in our reality based two day survival training course in the Lake District.
This is run as a group course open for mixed bookings, suitable for individuals.
Course dates: Saturday 28th September to Sunday 29th September 2024With hands on learning to hone your skills over this extended period, you will leave with the confidence that you now own those skills to put in to use when it really matters. Even though you will have access to a highly experienced Survival Instructor throughout, this is a real opportunity to focus your learning and make those skills become second nature. You will also be supported with the necessary items to aid in your survival including buckets of tea and mountains of biscuits!
Over the course of our two days together in a wilderness setting, the key skills of survival will be taught and put into practice. Bushcraft fundamentals will be covered, including the following:
Shelter The first layer of shelter is actually the clothes you have on your body. Correct clothing and the importance of carrying a simple shelter kit will be discussed, providing something to sleep under, in and on top of. Camp location and dynamic assessment of risk shall be touched upon as well as the issues surrounding losing body heat through the effects of convection, conduction and radiation.
We will demonstrate how to quickly erect your tarp shelter and use the best knots to aid in its deconstruction.
Building a debris shelter is a key skill in survival. As a group we will build a “thermal A frame” shelter to house one person. With time and commitment, people have lived in comfort for many weeks in such improvised accommodation. The effects of thermal conduction and the use of raised beds to counter this heat loss will be identified and utilised.
FireFire is an intrinsic human skill that unlocks the door to survival. We will go over the various methods to create initial flame, as well as the importance of ember management and the preparation of tinder bundles. We will take a short walk through our woods to gather further dry materials to aid in our success of creating fire; even in the pouring rain it is possible so by mastering these skills, the weather will never be a hindrance again. With a comprehensive demonstration of the skills needed to create fire from a spark you will be tasked to put your new skill set into practice to light your own fires. The subject is comprehensive and we will cover the following points:
- Flint and steel
- Ferrocerium rods
- Char material
- Tinder bundles
- Stick bundles
- Fire lays
- Ethical and safe use, and removal of fire
WaterCollecting water and making it safe to drink is of paramount importance. We will discuss how to find a suitable water source and assess its condition, then collect, filter and boil it to make it safe for consumption. The five contaminates will be identified and also the methods surrounding chemical treatment and mechanical filtration discussed, as well as:
- Gypsy wells
- Transpiration
- Evaporation
- UV
FoodPlant identification and foraging is at the heart of bushcraft, and sharing of this knowledge will be a constant throughout the day. We will also touch upon the use of fishing kits, traps and snares.
NavigationUsing nature as a resource is at the core of the subject of bushcraft. We will learn how to identify direction from the sun, the stars and from the composition of the woods. We will also have a brief map study utilising the skills of modern navigation to prevent becoming lost and planning our travel with our resources in mind.
SignallingAudio and visual signals could be the difference between rescue and another night in the woods. Various methods will be demonstrated and practised, such as signal mirrors, whistles and signal fires.
ToolsCarrying the right tools for the job enables us to thrive outdoors. You will be shown proper and safe use of various tools including knives and saws. You will have the opportunity to make various items from scratch including pegs, pot hangers, traps and tripods to use in your camp. Cordage and knot work will also be explored while rigging your tarps, building traps and lashing tripods.
MedicalA comprehensive subject that we will briefly touch upon. We will have a look at what we are carrying in our personal first aid kits and why.
These are the same skills as delivered on our
Thriver experience, but with much more time allowed to immerse yourself and refine the techniques. We will also cover more technical fire lighting methods such as feather sticks, and making tools such as bow saws and improvising traps.
Learning the skills of tracking and moving with stealth, we will have the chance explore the woods and see who else has been living under the canopy alongside us.
During the evening we can enjoy being in our shelter enjoying the fire or we can go for a night excursion and experience the forest at night. A truly awesome place to be!
Even though the skills are real, the location at times rugged, exposed and wet, with beautifully Cumbrian weather, you will be looked after, kept mostly dry and very well fed!
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Bring a packed lunch for Day 1. Meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 2.
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available throughout the experience.
Bring the contents of the
multi-day kit list and all will be good. Oh, and bring some mental fortitude, positive attitude and a sense of adventure because you will need it.
For any enquiries,
get in touch with Green Man Survival on 07946 841 772 or email contact@greenmansurvival.co.uk
Duration: Two days (from 09:00 on Day 1 to approx 17:00 on Day 2)
Challenge Level: 3/5
Maximum No: 8 people
Suggested Min Age: 16 yrs\\*
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Any person under the age of 18 years wishing to partake in this group course must be accompanied by a responsible adult. InclusionsAccommodation - No Frills
Tarp shelter or survival shelter created by you!
What's Included🍴
Food - Dinner, Breakfast and a light lunch before departure will be provided
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Drink - Tea, coffee, hot chocolate will be available
What you'll need📋
Other - See the multi-day kit list on https://www.greenmansurvival.co.uk/multi-day-kit-list/