As we expected this lived up to its promise and was the best and most laid back event of the year. The sun shone for three days and peace and Bushcraft broke out. We did not hit any sales records, nor did we expect to, but the weekend was enjoyable on so many fronts.

It takes place on a Bison (North American Buffalo to you and me) Farm in Wiltshire. The farm is tucked away in folding hills of woodland and lakes.

This was the 10th Anniversary of the event and it has grown year on year since its modest beginning. The camaraderie of the traders and visitors alike is as important if not more so than what anyone actually sells. It is a meeting of old friends bonded by their love of the natural world and their desire to keep man's hard fought for knowledge passed on to future generations.

There are so many classes and demonstrations throughout all three days that it could take two or three years to visit them all. The excellent food, cider, songs and catching-up tends to add to the time burden of the weekend.


It is no exaggeration to say that as long as the weather is good children love this event. There are so many things for them to try across all age groups. Camouflage & hiding in the woods, den building, how to use a knife correctly, lighting a fire with a bow drill, story telling round the camp fire and tracking animals in the woods are just a few examples of the workshops open to all.


I was amazed to note that one of the biggest crowds of men, women and children was drawn to the demonstration of how to butcher a deer and what all the parts can be used for. We are so sanitised today that you might have expected only a few to watch this work but in fact it drew a very large crowd and it was very informative.

It is a strange thought with so many people carrying knives and axes that such a show can be so secure, good humoured and so many people wanting to learn.

I made a rash purchase of a Ben Orford Parang and then attended his classes on sharpening a Parang and an Axe. The Parang is the work of a master craftsman and will be a cherished part of my Bushcraft kit as well as a legacy.

Before you knew it Sunday had arrived and everyone was packing to return home.

I can’t wait till next year.....