Bushcraft Courses

Unit 1: Cutting tools.

Describe the key aspects of current UK knife Law including:

Understanding of the term public place.

The implications of the need to justify the carrying/transportation of blades.

Explain and demonstrate the key dangers and safety considerations of the use of a blade including:

Storage, Appropriate storage of blades when not in use.

Safe distances from others, Weaknesses of folding blades, Key locations of arteries.

Demonstrate safe/competent usage of a fixed blade including: The passing of a blade,

A selection of appropriate/recognised techniques from: Pointing up, Cross cut, Feathering/shaving, Batoning.

 

Demonstrate the safe/competent use of a bow and folding saw utilising: Suitable safeguards to protect the hands.

 

Introduction to using a Bushcraft Hatchet for:

1. Splitting wood for kindling

2. Cleaning limbs (leaves and small branches) from green wood    

 

Unit 2: Fire

2.1 Demonstrate at least three ignition sources from the following list and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method demonstrated.

2.1.1 Flint and steel,

2.1.2 Ferrocerium rod,

2.1.3 Matches,

2.1.4 Electrical,

2.1.5 Chemical,

2.1.6 Solar

2.1.7 Compression.

2.2 Have knowledge of a selection of tinder from the following list and explain the

preparation and use of the tinders discussed. Describe any environmental

considerations.

2.2.1 Inner bark,

2.2.2 Outer bark,

2.2.3 Seed heads,

2.2.4 Fungi,

2.2.5 Dried grass, bracken, tree resins etc.

2.3 Have knowledge of a selection of man-made tinder from the following list and

explain the preparation and use of the tinders discussed. Describe any

environmental considerations.

2.3.1 Waxed paper

2.3.2 Candle wax

2.3.3 Gel

2.3.4 Rubber

2.3.5 Fire-lighters

2.3.6 Hexamine blocks

           

Gather fuel and then build and light a fire in a timely fashion showing due consideration to location and environmental considerations.

Maintain a fire long enough to boil half a mug of water, demonstrating consideration to the size and type of fire and environmental impact. Extinguish and dismantle a fire leaving no trace.

Show due regard for safety:

Having appropriate safety measures available to deal with burns, being aware of any hazardous materials used.

     

Unit 3: Bow drill

3.1 Name and comment on the parts of the bow drill.

3.2 Know the characteristics and qualities of those parts.

3.3 Show an appropriate selection of wood in suitable condition for:

3.3.1 The drill,

3.3.2 The hearth board,

3.3.3 Be aware of alternatives.

3.4 Produce and prepare a suitable tinder bundle (appropriate size for safety and

to ignite kindling) from natural materials.

3.5 Explain how to use a tinder bundle safely with groups.

3.5 Demonstrate the bow drill; producing fire and igniting a tinder bundle.

3.6 Show a due regard for safety having appropriate safety measures available to

deal with burns.

 

Unit 4: Water

4.1 Know at least five different sources of water and be able to comment on the advantages/disadvantages of each.

4.2 Know how to use a ground well to obtain water.

4.3 Know at least four different indicators of water.

4.4 Explain the difference between filtering and purifying water.

4.5 Explain how to filter water using commercial and improvised methods.

4.6 Demonstrate how to filter water.

4.7 Demonstrate how to purify water to make it safe to drink by boiling.

 

Unit 5: Debris shelters & bedding

5.1 Explain the need for shelter and be aware of the threats from cold, wet, wind, insects and other animals.

5.2 Explain how to correctly site a shelter with due regard to:

Overhead dangers,

Flooding,

Topography and aspect of the land,

Availability of resources,

Environmental damage particularly disturbance to flora and fauna.

Demonstrate an understanding of using natural materials as bedding. Clear away a shelter leaving no trace.

5.3 Construct an 'A-Frame’ and ‘Lean-To’ debris shelter (without using cord)

 

Unit 6: Tarp shelters & knots

6.1 Explain how to site a tarp shelter taking into account safety and other environmental factors.

6.2 Pitch a tarp in two different configurations using cordage and appropriate knots.

6.3 Hank cord or rope in a manner to prevent it becoming tangled.