Since Woodlore’s inception many decades ago, our aim has always been to offer the most prestigious level of training in Bushcraft and wilderness survival skills. As such, we pride ourselves on our dedicated team of instructors, whose passion for the subject shines through in their teaching.

And so it is with delight that we conclude the recent series of blog posts today focusing on Aspirant Instructor Tom Seward. If you’ve been thinking about booking a course with Woodlore, here is your chance to get to know the instructors who may be guiding you this year.

Name:

Tom Seward

Age:

27

Hometown:

Marlborough

Years working with Woodlore:

8

Courses attended as a student:

• Fundamental Bushcraft
• Camp Craft
• Journeyman

Courses worked on:

Family Bushcraft, Fundamental Bushcraft, Introduction to Bushcraft, Camp Craft, Junior Fundamental Bushcraft, Junior Expedition Skills, Wilderness Navigation, Applied Bushcraft, Woodlore Tracking, Journeyman, Fire Lighting, Family Wildlife Walkabout

Courses working on this season:

• Introduction to Bushcraft
• Woodlore Tracking
• Carving Master Class with Ray Mears
• Fundamental Bushcraft
• Junior Fundamental Bushcraft
• Family Bushcraft

What is your profession outside of Woodlore?

Outside of Woodlore I am a self-employed Tree Surgeon. I work mainly as a contract tree climber, working 5 days a week, sometimes 6 days a week in the winter.

What are your interests?

I enjoy a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, which include; Deer stalking, Game shooting and Beating and Picking up on pheasant shoots in the winter. I love walking and spend most weekends taking my dog for walks in different parts of the country. I also enjoy off-road driving in my land rover; I have been to Wales several times exploring the different off-roading routes and have been to different countries such as Morocco and Spain. I am currently planning my next trips to the Pyrenees Mountains and the Artic circle.

How did your journey with Woodlore begin?

My interest in Woodlore started when I was a teenager, I loved the outdoors and had always enjoyed watching Ray Mears programmes on TV. I managed to read a lot of his books and one day I attended a book signing of his in my local town. It was here that I learnt about Woodlore and the different courses they offered.

I attended and completed two courses, the Fundamental Bushcraft and the Camp Craft. At the end of the Camp Craft course I was invited to attend the recruitment weekend and was then offered an assistant’s position.

What is your most memorable course experience?

I have had so many memorable times at Woodlore it is hard to pick just one. One of my favourite things is spending so much time outside and being able to watch all the different wildlife in their natural habitats. One evening two colleagues and myself were sitting beside the campfire, it was very quiet and still with just the bats flying around, out of nowhere a sparrow hawk swooped down and snatched a bat out of the air and flew off into the night.

Which skills have you learnt as an instructor that you have found the most useful during your own adventures?

I have learnt many useful skills since I started at Woodlore, the ability to interact and communicate with different people from all walks of life. I have also learnt patience and to have a thick skin during the really wet and cold times, to not give up, and persevere until you reach your goal.

Which skills are you hoping to perfect this season?

I would really like to expand my knowledge on woodland flora and little plants so I can better identify them in the wild. I would also really love to master the fire plough.

What is your favourite meal to cook outdoors?

My favourite meal of all time has to be steak, and it is best cooked on the Muurikka Pan over the campfire.

What would be your dream travel destination?

My ambition is to travel everywhere, however my number one place to go has to be New Zealand. I would love to go hunting and hiking in the mountains over there and see all the dramatic scenery. My dream driving destination would be through the Himalayas or to drive down from North Africa along the coastline to South Africa.