April 27 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
£75
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned bushcrafter, let our skilled instructor guide you through ancient techniques that our ancestors would have relied upon to survive and thrive. This immersive course will introduce you to two incredible skills: tanning fish skin to create durable leather and the art of net making, both of which have been integral to human ingenuity for thousands of years. Set against the inspiring backdrop of Park In The Past, with its historically themed landscapes and reconstructed Roman fort, this special course promises to deepen your connection to the natural world.
This one-day experience is perfect for those curious about primitive skills and for outdoor enthusiasts looking to expand their bushcraft toolkit. You’ll gain hands-on experience in transforming natural materials into functional items while developing skills that can be further practised at home. You will also have the option to craft your tanned fish leather into a small pouch. Whether you want to connect with your ancestral roots or learn practical techniques for crafting useful tools, this course offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore how our forebears made use of their environment with skill and resourcefulness.
Your tutor for this course is primitive skills expert Billy Souter:
“Primitive skills like tanning and net making bring us closer to the land and its resources. By working with our hands, we rediscover how raw materials can be transformed into functional tools and items. Tanning fish skins into leather or creating nets from simple fibres offers a glimpse into the creativity and resilience of our ancestors. These skills allow us to engage with the past while crafting something beautiful and useful for the present.”
- Fish Tanning: Discover how to turn salmon skin into beautiful and durable leather. You’ll learn to descale, flesh, and soften the skins, gaining an understanding of tanning techniques that can be applied to other hides. By the end of the session, you will leave with your own piece of fish leather and the knowledge to continue tanning at home.
- Net Making: Learn the traditional needle and gauge method for creating rectangular netting. Through step-by-step practice, you’ll develop the skills to craft nets suitable for fishing, trapping, storage, and even shelter. This versatile skill has countless uses in bushcraft and survival scenarios.
- Leather Pouch Making: transform your fish skin into a small useable pouch using a needle and sinew thread.
- Understand and appreciate how our ancestors transformed natural materials into essential tools.
- Work with your hands to produce beautiful, functional items from raw resources.
- Deepen your connection to nature through ancient crafting techniques.
- Cook up sizzling fish using the ancient split-stick method & our natural smoker.
- Boil water the stone age way using hot rocks.
Your Tutor: Billy Souter
“My passion for Bushcraft came to life in my mid teens and quickly led me venturing down the path of primitive living skills.”
“Having found my passion and decided I wanted to expand my knowledge and pass these skills on to others. Since this time I have trained with various incredible teachers within this field and have used these skills in different environments including Scandinavia, Europe and North America.”
“In recent years I have developed and provided engaging Bushcraft sessions at an Outdoor Centre and Public workshop events for Children, SEN groups, Adults and training to forest school providers. I now also work as a Guest Instructor for established schools and individuals teaching Primitive Living Skills.”
You can view more of Billy’s excellent work via his facebook page.
Skills you will learn
Over the course of the programme you will learn a range of skills, including…
Your day will begin with arrival at our woodland basecamp, surrounded by trees and birdsong. Here, Billy will introduce you to the resourcefulness of our ancestors, exploring how they worked with natural materials to create tools and items essential for survival, such as tanned fish leather and handmade nets.
The morning will focus on the fascinating craft of fish tanning. You will begin by working with fresh salmon skins, learning how to carefully descale and flesh them to prepare for tanning. Billy will guide you through the traditional techniques used to transform raw fish skins into durable and beautiful leather, perfect for a variety of practical and decorative purposes. You will gain an understanding of the tanning process, from preparation to softening, and by lunchtime, you’ll be well on your way to creating a piece of fish leather to take home.
Meanwhile we will be getting our traditional hot smoker up to temperature to cook up some tasty fish using this traditional method and a fish fillet will be cooked over the fire using a split-stick frame of hazel, with no need for pots and pans.
In the afternoon, you will turn your attention to net making. Billy will introduce you to the needle and gauge technique for crafting strong and versatile nets. Through hands-on practice, you will learn how to create rectangular netting, honing each step of the process until the rhythm becomes second nature. These skills can be used to produce nets for fishing, trapping, net bags and even shelter, demonstrating the incredible versatility of this ancient craft.
Throughout the day, Billy will share his passion for primitive skills and showcase examples of his own handcrafted items to inspire you, from natural cordage to tanned hides and handmade tools. His knowledge and enthusiasm will provide a deeper understanding of how our ancestors thrived using the natural resources around them.
By the end of the day, you will leave with a piece of your own fish leather and the foundation for crafting traditional nets—skills that you can continue to develop at home. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with ancient crafts, rediscover the value of working with your hands, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Book now
This course costs £75 per person and is open to adult learners aged 16 years and over. You can read our Event Terms & Conditions here.
