WHY DO I DO IT?

 WHY DO I DO IT?

Several weeks ago now, I found myself watching a video by everyone’s favourite Officer of confectionery… the Sgt Fruitcake. I believe it was some sort of giveaway video, in which he asked a series of questions that resonated with me. Some of the most basic but interesting questions that could be asked of any outdoors person. The questions were simply; how did you get into Bushcraft? Why do you still do it? And where do you hope it will take you?’

The first question is a very interesting one. I have always had a fascination with the natural world, as well as history. It was a combination of these interest which led to my passion for archaeology. So much so that went on to complete a degree in it. However, it wasn’t long into these studies that I realised that my fascination wasn’t with the material remains of the human past, or the ‘stuff’ unearthed in the archaeological record, but rather our connection with the natural world through material culture. In other words, what the artefacts can tell us about the people who used them and more importantly, how they interacted with their natural world. A lot of this of course is inference, which is where the bushcraft comes in. In my eyes, there is precious little difference between an individual conducting an experimental archaeological investigation, and one practising bushcraft in relation to primitive skills and techniques. Along with many other outdoor enthusiasts, I owe my introduction to this great pursuit to one man; Ray Mears. I had the pleasure of attending a carving course at Woodlore with Ray in 2014, which was an experience I will never forget. I have never been so star struck in my life. But that’s a story for another article.

Attending the Woodlore Carving Masterclass with Ray Mears, August 2014. photo by Author.

As for the second question of ‘why do you still so it?’ this is probably the hardest question of the bunch. Simply put, I don’t know why I carry on studying bushcraft; I suppose a fitting metaphor would be that the years of reading, watching videos and practising skills has enabled me to place my foot on the first rung of the bushcraft ladder. The acquisition of skills, knowledge and equipment (or as I describe them, the bushcraft trinity) is merely scratching the surface, the application of these things is the real endeavour. Once you feel comfortable staying outdoors and have the sufficient skills and knowledge of an area, spending time outdoors for multiple days becomes a pleasure as you feel quite at home there. I find it’s generally the fear of the unknown that puts most people off, or the thought of all the stuff you need to bring with you, but as the old bushcraft adage says; the more you know, the less you carry.

One of the main reasons I am dragged back outdoors is to spend time in beautiful locations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of like minded, brilliant people that I have come to call friends  over the years. we are all very difference, but we all share an appreciation of the natural world, which is what brings us together. It’s a very long road when its walked alone, tamer is the road travelled with friends.

Some of the people that Bushcraft has introduced me to 
(from top left - bottom right; Brian, Jack, Peter, Charlie and Myself. photo by Author.

The third question is probably my favourite, ‘where do you hope it will take you?’ this question is particularly important as it allows you to add a degree of tangibility and focus to your learning. It is very important to have achievable and measurable goals set out. This is something I have always done. My very first goal in bushcraft was to be able to light and maintain a fire. The latter being the most crucial skill to develop. Most will be able to light a fire, but nurturing the flame into an established fire can sometimes be a challenge; especially when beginning. However, mollycoddling a fire can often hinder its development, so a certain milieu is required to optimise the fire. The same can also be said with the development of people, but now I’m getting really off-topic. Point being that learning to grow a fire and maintain it, without getting out of hand was a real goal and something I am always experimenting with. My current goals are fairly simple, I want to be able to undertake a long trip (a week or more) using minimal equipment. There’s one trip in particular that is close to my heart. This would be a canoe expedition in Sweden. In recent months, a have started to learn the basics of paddling from my friend Brian and immediately took a fondness to it. As you can tell by my face, I love being out on the water. Another goal for the coming year would be to make more effort to document trips, if only as a learning experience allowing me to review the trip critically and try to improve my practises in whatever way possible.

First time paddling a canoe and it was in a storm. Photo by Brian Trubshaw.

To summarise, this has been a very concise article outlining what drew me to studying Bushcraft, what keeps me studying it, and where I hope my studies will take me in the future. regardless of what your ability is, or what your goals are, the most important and ultimately valuable thing one can do increase understanding and kinship with the natural world is to spend more time in it.

Keep up the love for nature, and never stop learning.

What are your answers to these questions? let me know in the comment box below...