Winter Bushcraft

   With the coming of crisp evenings and fall colours descending from the trees it is the perfect time to spend a weekend out in the wonders of wild Ireland. Grab your hammock, sleeping bag and some provisions and heat outside.

   The four basic bushcraft skills are Shelter, Fire, Water, and Food. Once you have taken care of all of these issues you are prepared to spend a lovely winter weekend in the woods.

   Shelter is by far the most important skill to perfect for Winter Bushcraft. If you are caught out in the Wicklow Mountains this time of year you have about three hours before you freeze to death. Here in Ireland it is the damp as well as the cold that will kill you.

   A quick thing to do is to stuff your jumper full of grass, moss, or heather. Place it between your outer jacket and the next layer towards your skin. This will trap air that your body can then warm. It also places another barrier between you and the elements.

   Find someplace that will shelter you from the wind and rain. Sometimes all it takes is a small outcropping of stone. Collect anything that you can find to stuff around you to make a nest for yourself. The Red Squirrel does this quite effectively. Learn from nature.

   Making a fire is difficult during the winter especially here in Ireland. It is important to practise your skills before you actually need to rely on them for survival. Always have an inside pocket with fire starters, tinder, and a long lasting candle. I am fond of trick birthday candles that are difficult to blow out. They work brilliantly in the wet winter environment. Place the lit candle underneath your fire structure. Let the flame slowly heat and dry your kindling. Sometimes it takes several birthday candles to start your fire.

   Food is an important energy source for your body to warm itself. Bring instant oatmeal with you. It is easy to make, lightweight, nourishing, and warms in your belly.

   Thankfully, we are not short on water here in Ireland. Still, you need to know where you can find drinkable options. You can melt ice and snow over your fire. Snow is easier to melt if you have a half cup of water already boiling in your pot. Continue to add clean snow. You will be surprised how much snow it takes to make a full pot of water.

   Do not drink alcohol, fizzy drinks, sports drinks or caffeine. These will not hydrate you and they deplete your fluid stores. Make hot chocolate instead of tea. Another option is to break off ½ of an OXO cube and add it to one cup of hot water. It makes a tasty drink that will replenish your electrolytes.  

   Mrs. Doyle was right after all: it is all about a nice cup of tea. Go on, go on, go on……