Greetings All...

[SittingLion]

Would first like to say hi to all current members, greetings people. I'm Shane from Essex, i'm a 40 year old bloke who has a keen interest in bushcraft.

If it's possible i would like to get peoples opinions and advice on this. I'm planning a sponsored survival experience much the same as what Survivorman does, 7 days in the wilds of...erm....Essex. I have come up with this idea as it is a cheap project to undertake for charity, as i can do it local, and will only take a week to complete. I'm thinking with the knowledge i already have and with a little bit of studying of my wild edibles, it should be a managable challenge. The woodland i believe has an underground stream which trickles out into the woods somewhere, though i've yet to find it, so water shouldn't be a problem. I will however take emergency rations and supplies, energy foods/drink, water, spare set of clothes, emergency survival blanket etc.

I'm wondering what peoples opinions are, if this is a fair challenge? Will it be too easy for me, will it be too much of a challenge? I have a lot of knowledge of bushcraft but not very much experience. I'm not afraid to go hungry and there have been times when i have not had much money to eat anyway and therefore have had to go somewhat hungry! I have spent a lot of time in the woods but mostly with camping equipment.

Is this a realistic challenge?

[OakAshandThorn]

:welcome: Dia duit, Shane - fáilte go dtí an bpobal Bushcraft. :camping:

Realistic?...can't really say, since I'm in the States. I've known a few to take the challenge over here, and it can be done, though you'll probably lose a few pounds unless you supplement your diet with game. The problem with this lies in that many places forbid hunting or have stiff regulations with mandatory licenses. With the plants, it is important to know not only what can be consumed and what shouldn't, but to also be aware of the nutritional content of the edibles you gather. Also keep in mind that you really can't get a decent amount of calories from greens or berries, which is why I say your gathering should ideally be supplemented with game.
Since I'm not a resident in your neck of the woods, I'll shut-up now and let others from the region chime in their more meaningful advice ;).

[suggy]

Welcome to the forum Shane :)

[biker-bri]

A warm welcome from North Wales T^
ATB Bri

[midas]

Welcome to the forum,Shane.Best of luck with your project.A lot will depend on what piece of land you have to "Take on this task?"n whether you willl have permission to take game n vermin.also what equipment ??if any your going to have??atb.M

[Tony1948]

Hi Shane:welcome:To the forum,I also live inEssex and what you are hopping to do is near eye impossible in the wilds of Essex,that's if you can find the wilds in Essex.I don't think you have a lot of hope doing what you like to do unless you have permission to be on the land and you are able to shoot and trap.There is nowear in Essex that you are not a mile from a road or homes,so some ones going to now you are there,ATb Don't get eaten by the bears...........Tony.

[Valantine]

:welcome: to the forum from N.Wales

[brindle]

hi shane ,:welcome:

[Sylvanbilly]

Hi and welcome, goo luck with your quest. Are you going alone on your first trip?

[Ehecatl]

Hello and welcome.

M@

[jus_young]

Welcome to the community Shane

This kind of challenge has been done before and can be achieved. This is one that was completed not so very long ago -

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?5342-One-woodland-one-fat-bloke-one-month!

[SittingLion]

Hey guys thanks for the warm welcome and response to my question. Many blessings to you all :)

What has been mentioned about hunting difficulties has definitely given me food for thought (pardon the pun!). UK law is most assuredly not in favour of the bushcrafter/survivalist. Also i don't think the average UK person would favour sponsoring such a challenge if i was to hunt, being somewhat removed from the whole processing of butchery these days. But thats a whole different area to get into elsewhere and possibly verging on a political no-no, so i'll say no more of that ;)

I'm thinking now to consider it like a survival scenario and therefore allow myself a typical day pack, including a days ration of food + a good meals worth extra. If i then make sure those foods are mostly all protein packed i can ration them over the days as at least a minimal source of protein to complement whatever i can forage. I think this way it's more doable, at least the thought of having that option is making me feel much more comfortable about giving it a try.

[Adam Savage]

Welcome to the forum Shane

[Rambling Sid Rompo]

Hi SittingLion
Where about's are the wilds of Essex (apart from Basildon) ?.

[LoneWalker]

Hello and welcome. Good luck with the project.