Local bushcraft and survival expert Nick Gough of Woodlanders Bushcraft is running an island “Castaways Survival” 2 day bushcraft weekend course in early October on Flatholm Island in the Severn Estuary, where the mighty Atlantic flows into the wide mouth of one of Britain’s great rivers. With the second highest tidal range in the world this enormous estuary has several small islands in it, including Flat Holm, Steep Holm, and Lundy Island (the UKs first Marine Nature Reserve and established wildlife area including a significant Puffin Colony). For a look at Flatholm Island try this ‘virtual tour’, looks really beautiful.

Foraging on the shore of Flatholm Island for sea food.

Nick will be leading a group, taken on a fast boat from Bristol out to Flatholm for a weekend of instruction and discovery. This will be the fourth and final such event of the year, before the weather gets a bit more ‘challenging’ during Winter.

Woodlanders run a range of excellent courses in the South West, as well as tuition to Schools and Scout groups. From their website:

“Our Bushcraft Courses are designed to allow you to be at one with your environment. Using ancient techniques we will show you the many key areas of general bushcraft, perfecting them as we go.

At the end of the course you will have a greater understanding of the natural world around you and be able to use your new skills and natural resources to survive in the wilderness.

Our courses range from one day basic bushcraft course, two day weekend course, castaway course, bow making course, shelter building course, firelighting course, parties and forest schools

N.B. There’s still places for the October course available at the time of writing, so get in touch via the Woodlanders website if you’re interested in experiencing a weekend of Island Survival! It promises to be a very special experience, and a rare opportunity in southern UK to get out onto a wild and remote island, camping and practicing island-based bushcraft skills.