“During this three-day course students will explore a range of primitive living skills. Gaining a basic understanding of topics including fish skin tanning, bone/stone working and natural fibre to create a primitive fishing kit and pouch.

Fish skin tanning will consist of students learning the steps of working and tanning hides before starting on their own. Breakdown and processing the hide ready to be dressed then softened. The finished skins will be used to create a pouch.

Understanding the potential and characteristics of bone will allow the students to create tools such as sewing needles and components for fishhooks. A simple range of tools will be used to create these items including flint blades, drills, pebbles, and abrasive stones. The differences between fresh/dry bone including their strengths and weaknesses as well as which bones are suitable for the desired craft will be spoken of.

Students will work with a variety of natural fibres and decide which work best for specific purposes throughout the course. Sinew, plant, bast, root and hair fibres will be used, and their individual uses/preparation methods explored. Fibre will be a main focus when creating fishhooks from various materials. Processing components, whipping, barbs, line, and weights will be taught.” Billy Souter

Join us for an immersive primitive fishing course where you will learn essential skills to craft your own fishing kit using natural materials. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the process of making fishing lines, hooks, and even simple nets, enabling you to fish sustainably using traditional methods. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature as you master these time-honoured techniques and connect with the ancient art of fishing. Book your spot now and embark on a journey of self-reliance and wilderness proficiency.

There is a primal satisfaction in the act of catching one's own food, a feeling that resonates deeply within the core of our being. Fishing with primitive technology taps into this innate connection with our primal past, stripping away the complexities of modern life to reveal the simplicity of survival. The rhythmic cast of the line, the patient wait for a bite, and the exhilarating tug of a fish on the other end all blend together to create a timeless experience that transcends generations. As the sun and the day's catch is prepared over a crackling fire, one can't help but feel a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the bounty provided by nature.

WHAT’S COVERED: 

• Tool selection and safe use: we'll be providing all the tools and materials for the course. If you'd like to bring your own you're very welcome, but please respect our decision if we suggest you use our tools instead. 

• Material selection and processing

• Applied fishing methods on a private water course and ponds, including crayfish trapping

• Tree and Plant ID

• Wild camping in the woods

• Preparing and cooking meals outdoors, and the importance of maintaining a campfire

  • Including how to prepare fish for cooking over the fire. We endeavor to provide as ethically sourced meat as possible, sometimes this may mean we can’t provide game as we source it locally when available.

• Natural cordage

• Hook making

• Net making

• Crayfish trap making

DETAILS:

• 3pm Friday - 4.30pm Sunday

• £300 per person

  • Please note the terms and conditions before you book

  • A fish-skin pouch and fishing kit is made and taken home by each adult attending the course.

• Small group size with a maximum of 8 guests to ensure we create a subtle atmosphere in the woods, and you get a very high interaction time with the instructor.

• A full kit list is given out on booking, but you won't need much more than a sleeping bag and warm clothing.

• This course is fully catered starting with a Lunch on the Friday, and finishing with lunch on Sunday. Please inform us of any dietary requirements, we're happy to cater to any needs.

• Due the involved nature of this course, we don't feel its suitable to under 16 year olds (please ask if you have any questions)

• Under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult

• Run in a beautiful private Woodland on the Harewood Estate near Harrogate. We'll send you exact directions with the booking pack.

• Lead Instructor: Billy Souter Instructor: Jamie Dakota

REVIEWS

I just wanted to get in touch to say that I had an absolutely brilliant time on the primitive fishing course at the weekend. Billy really looked after us well and was so willing to share his knowledge and skill of all things primitive. His teaching style was a really nice mix of attentive and relaxed. I felt he was always there to ask for advice or to further explain and demonstrate things but he was also more than willing to allow us space to get immersed in our projects. In terms of course content and the amount Billy packed in, I would say it's definitely the best craft workshop I've done before and it was so satisfying to be fully immersed for a weekend and come away with items to be proud of. It has definitely given me a burst of enthusiasm and I really want to explore more skills now. 

Ross 2023