Wild Fire Course - A Day Learning the Bow-Drill

The Bow Drill Technique is probably the most widely utilised of the friction fire lighting methods in modern times, it is certainly a powerful skill to have in your repertoire. However simply learning to use pre-made, carefully stored kits in order to make fire is only a very small part of this skill. To truly appreciate this method of creating fire in the wild we need to go deeper.

What I’ve created here with our WildFire Course is something special, a true backwoods experience. The course is run across a large expanse of our 1000 acre venue, exploring different micro-environments to look for resources where they naturally occur. In short I’ve set this skill in the natural world from which it organically evolves, you’ll produce fire from the resources you find and through the craft of your hand. The entire day is nomadic, as such you’ll need to come prepared with a small rucksack to carry your kit (you won’t need much more than a coat, something to drink and a packed lunch). We’ve done away with the standard ‘base-camp’ most bushcraft courses are run from, setting you up as the pilgrim in the wilds searching for the uniquely human ability: Fire.

Jamie Dakota - Chief Instructor

WHAT’S COVERED:

• Making your own Bow Drill Kit to take home

• We'll take you through the entire process of making a bow and drill including:

• Tree Identification: Looking at key trees for the purpose & how to find them

• Material selection: Once you can identify the tree you need we can look at selecting the ideal woods to make our bow drills from

• Tinder: Preparation is key in bushcraft, and having the materials prepared to take your working bow drill kit to a warming fire means have all the resources ready before you start bowing.

• Where to look for resources

• How to take resources from nature responsibly

• Safe and efficient knife use to removing material quickly

• Fine knife skills for crafting and carving

The intricate technique of getting fire from the bow drill

The majority of the day then is dedicated to learning the skill of using a bow drill kit properly. So that you end your day with us equipped with all the tools you need to not only make fire in this way, but also to problem solve for yourself as you practice this skill at home.

 DETAILS:

• 9.30am-5pm

• 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

• £105 per person

• Please note the terms and conditions before you book

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

Reviews

The course was great. I really enjoyed every minute. Great guidance from all the instructors. Would love to come on another course run by you guys. Get booked on and go have a day in the woods learning new skills and meeting good people. JD and max have the patience of a Saint. There to help and guide in everything we asked and more. I didn't expect to be able to fire but eventually managed it with the help and team work from max. - Adam 2022

Yes amazing teacher:student ratio - felt very well looked after. Good pace. Hard work and tiring but plenty of time to practice. Didn’t feel rushed. - Sara 2022

we actually got the fire going by ourselves, which i was quite surprised about. Just do it, its really fun, and well worth it. - Miles 2022

Had a fantastic day doing Bowdrill with Howl Bushcraft. Brilliant tuition fuelling a very fulfilling day in the woods - Brian Trubshaw 2018

Had great day yesterday with Jamie took his time showing me new skills and we even managed to get a spark with a bow drill my first time and using larch wood , will be going again, highly recommend. - Gary Edwards 2018

A lovely day in Grenowoods Fire lighting by friction, Jamie was very knowledgable and great at helping me get the correct techniques. Great day. - Lindsey Bielby 2018