The ability to make fire is one of the most ancient of skills. Fire lifts your spirits and becomes your companion throughout the day and night. On a practical level, the camp fire dries our clothes; provides light at night; purifies our water; drives away biting insects; and of course, keeps us warm and cooks our food. By creating a forge, we also have the ability to shape and fashion steel.
In this hands on two day workshop, you will be taught many methods of fire making such as solar, electrical, flint & steel, compression and fire by friction. You will also learn how to source, make and store the right tinder - essential in creating fire. You will make your own bow drill set which you can take home with you, and learn how to use it effectively. You will also learn the basic principles of firelighting and fire management - siting, laying and safety, and you will also learn how to extinguish your fire and remove all traces.
Wood charcoal is a valuable renewable resource. During this workshop we will be collecting, cutting and stacking the wood needed for you to create quality charcoal in our mini woodland charcoal burner. The charcoal will then be used in our woodland forge for you to hand forge your own piece of steel over an anvil using centuries old techniques, to create a traditional flint and steel set to take home. There is a kind of magic in the use of fire to transform steel.
Our guest instructor for the weekend is, Contemporary Blacksmith - Ross Berry. The weekend starts at 10am on the Saturday until around 4pm on the Sunday. The weekend is fully catered however, please refer to the suggested kit list to bring your own personal and overnight camping kit. 16-18 year olds are welcome with participating adults.
For 2010 dates, please see the options box below.
