ABOUT

My name is Billy Souter, a Bushcraft and Primitive Living Skills instructor based in Derbyshire, UK.

My journey towards these skills began when I was at school, learning from my friend Matt Roberts who gave me a solid foundation of knowledge regarding Bushcraft and inspired my interest in Primitive Skills. After a couple years I volunteered and gained invaluable guidance from Dave Watson. Since, I have honed my craft for over a decade through extensive training and mentorship from renowned experts in the field including Patrick McGlinchey and Thijmen Apswoude. My experiences have taken me to Scandinavia, Europe, and North America, where I have developed a deep appreciation for the diverse aspects of Bushcraft and Primitive Living.

In recent years, I have designed and delivered engaging Bushcraft sessions for an Outdoor Centre and public workshop events for children, SEN groups, adults, and forest school providers. As a freelance instructor, I have the privilege of teaching Primitive Living Skills for various established Bushcraft schools and individuals. Particular skills I enjoy include friction fire lighting, bone working, fibre craft, and tanning, which I find not only practical but also deeply rewarding.

I believe that these skills offer a unique opportunity to connect with our ancestors and the natural world, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of their struggles and triumphs. Whether it's creating an ember from friction or hand-stitching reindeer hides into a sleeping bag, these skills transport us back in time, mentally and spiritually, and offer a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us.