It has been a busy period for Blue Mountain as a whole and the Survival and Bushcraft Division has been no exception.
Our Instructors recently ran a One Day course for the Activity instructors at Bluestone Leisure Ltd. The course was based around our survival tin and demonstrated the correct use of all the equipment found within. From small pocket knife and fire steel to emergency signalling equipment, this kit is pocket sized and could get you through a bad situation should the need arise. Alternatively it is a great way to introduce you to the outdoors without breaking the bank.
Upon arriving at Bluestone in a total downpour and with a few worrying looks from the activity instructors at the site, we moved into the woodland just as the rain stopped. After a welcome cup of tea and some bannock bread, we got down to the lessons. In addition to demonstrating the Survival kit our day also comprised of shelter building, fire starting techniques, basic foraging, fish preparation, snares, and marksmanship principles using the air rifles.
“Knives, saws, fires, gutting fish, shelters, and shooting, I have never felt so much like a man."
Jac, Bluestone activity instructor
Approaching lunch, Tracy took the group down to the river and everybody had a go at some fish preparation. After half an hour or so, some considerable giggles and laughter they all arrived at the top of the hill, fish in hand. The smiles said it all and for those who had not done anything like this before it came with a real sense of achievement. Lunch consisted of freshly gutted brown trout and baked potato cooked to perfection in an open fire.
Stacey had never gutted a fish before, but got stuck right in and lunch tasted all the better for it.
The day finished with a shooting competition and some basic marksmanship principles. Six shots at multilevel targets. The competition was fierce as the lads in the group all tried to prove their prowess with the weapon. However it was Barbara who stunned her co-workers with a perfect six score card, proving that if she needed to, she could certainly put food on the plate!
Our day ended at about 5 pm and at 5 past the rain started again. “Almost as if it was planned”
I personally would like to thank Louise and her team at Bluestone for making Blue Mountain very welcome, I know the instructors all had a great time and enjoyed the experiences as much as those that attended the course.
Blue Mountain Survival and Bushcraft Division recently showed at the Carmarthenshire Truck Show along with the Blue Mountain Driving Division. The day went very well, and we created a lot of interest, especially with families who wanted to organise special Bushcraft birthday parties, events for groups of children, or who wanted to provide a memorable day for a member of the family. We can offer special gift vouchers for all of our events. Not forgetting those bikers amongst you, we are now able to offer a mix of advanced riding and Bushcraft to give you a complete new experience in the outdoors.
Events in August 09 for our Survival and Buhcraft Division include:
- The Wilderness Gathering 20-23 Aug – we will be showing our emergency medical techniques and Survival and Bushcraft courses. We are involved in some of the specialist classes including Camouflage and Concealment and Mark Oriel will be showing how to prep a deer ready for eating.
- Some of our instructors are attending the Bushcraft UK event on the 31st July – 2nd Aug.We will be showing stalking techniques and rifle skills.
- Blue Mountain is pleased to confirm that we have an Apprenticeship Course 7 –9 August 09 (Fri night to Sun afternoon) in Wales. Cost is £230 per person with special rates for children, families and groups. If you would like to join in the fun, give Olwena a call on 01267 231 111 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Blue Mountain prides itself on its professionalism, confidentiality and its customer service, so if you have any questions about any service that we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us. I hope to see you soon.
Best Wishes
Nigel Thomas
Managing Director
