In this video we learn how to use a Traditional Flint and Steel to make fire using Charcloth and primitive fire lighting techniques.

Ashley's first go in a Coracle. To see how this wonderful Coracle was built click here.

Photos & Filming by Simon Bugler

Collecting Birch Sap

During the first two weeks or March

In this article I will show you how to collect birch-sap easily and quickly during spring. Birch Sap can be collected during the first couple of weeks during March. This is the true start to spring, sap rises throughout the tree's in preparation to spring into life producing their buds and leaves. Birch Sap is a slightly sweet, watery & healthy drink. The Birch tree purifies the water, making it clean and safe to drink.

Identifying a Birch Tree

Im no tree expert, but I do know there's three types of Birch to keep an eye out for:

- Silver Birch - Betula pendula
- Downy Birch - Betula pubescens
- Paper-bark Birch - Betula papyrifera

I find the easiest way to identify the tree is by looking at the bark, take a look:

The two photos above are of the Paper-Birch (Betula Papyrifera)

Collecting the Sap