As well as meeting some more great people, who are always appreciative of anything from a nettle bracelet to an impromptu fire by friction lesson. I had the opportunity to meet some great people from some interesting backgrounds.

I was there at the invitation of No Sweat Outdoors, North Devon’s only independent shop selling quality outdoor kit. Who had spent a weekend with me on a basic introduction to bushcraft course last year, and thought a few demos would help attract a crowd. That seemed to be sound thinking as we found that once I started with the bow drill I soon had an audience of 30 or 40 people in no time at all.

By the end of the weekend I had the two girls who work in the shop working a bow drill in tandem and doing most of the work for me whilst I provided a commentary and answered questions. It’s always a pleasure to see people’s reactions to the ease with which it takes to make a fire this way when the few simple tips are put into action.

Along with the "punters" the show was a great place to do a little networking a result of which means that there may well be two new courses on offer next year offering hedgerow basketry and falconry along with elements of bushcraft. All hosted at my woods on the North Devon coast. Dates and details are still being arranged but I will be sure to update as soon as I have confirmed.

Written by: Dave Roderick.