Food For Free - What Does This Pocket Book And Nature Have To Offer ?

Everybody likes something for free and who doesn't like food for free ? With this tiny little pocket guide by Richard Mabey, you will never go hungry... Well not when you're out in the countryside anyway. For less than a fiver you can learn all about what nature has to offer, when to pick and how best to eat the abundance of wild edibles.

I was first introduced to this amazing little book about five or six years ago, when I joined a fellow bushcrafter on a nature walk. I knew very little about wild edibles back then, other than blackberries and bilberries. However, after an hours walk I had been introduced to Wood Sorrel, Common Sorrel and Nettles. Not really enough to fill a hungry stomach, but it was enough to encourage me to learn more.

Before going our seperate ways, I was advised to purchase a copy of Food For Free, which is exactly what I did. After receiving the book, I was amazed to discover how many plants were listed, that I actually knew. But had no idea whatsover, that they could be eaten.

And so, off I went into my local woodland to see what I could find, using the book as a reference when identifying the different species of plant. I shot a video back in 2012 titled "Bushcraft - Searching For Wild Edibles - Foraging", which looking back is a little sketchy (video quality wise I might add... ha ha !!), but it gives you an insight into what I discoverd that day.

It goes without saying, that if you are ever looking for wild edibles and decide to taste anything, make sure you are 100% certain of what you are about to eat.

As I mention in the video, start with 3-4 plants that are easily recognisable, get to know them, learn all about them and when to spot them. And when you are happy you have successfully identified the plant, try just a tiny piece and see how it goes down. Once you are preficient in identifying them, move onto other species, slowly building up your menu... I mean knowledge !

If I had to suggest 5 species of plant to start with, I would suggest the following : (Of course, this list is based on what I have found in the UK) Dandelion Nettle Jack By The Hedge Wood Sorrel Blackberry

In my most recent video, I revisit the Food For Free book once again, to highlight a couple more plant species. One of which, leaves a rather bitter taste in my mouth.

Simple DIY Kayak Paddle Modification - Two For The Price Of One

A number of years ago, I purchased a Stearns Back Country inflatable kayak, which came with a four piece split paddle. This allowed you to disassemble the paddle into smaller sections, for ease of transportation. When paddling solo, I tend to use the paddle as a one piece. But if I had one of the Mini-Jesters with me, or they were both using the kayak, I needed a simple DIY kayak paddle modification that was a quick and easy method to reconfigure the paddle.

I experimented with a few different designs, which were ok, but did require the use of a screwdriver to secure the moulded handle grips to the paddle sections. This very much restricted how quick we could change from a single to a double paddle. So, back to the drawing board I went. It was only when I spotted some nifty little locking pins on my Dad's lightweight scaffolding tower that a new design came into my head.

These stainless steel shaft locking pins allowed me to create a quick release mechanism for the moulded handle grips, resulting in a paddle reconfiguration in a matter of seconds. The positioning of the pins through the grips and shaft of the paddle, meant your hands didn't catch the locking pins at all when holding the paddle grip.

With the addition of an old vacuum cleaner tube, I created a seperate section to incorporate the second paddle grip and blade. This additional section was required due to the current design of the 4 piece paddle not having a sufficient end to accept the paddle grip handle. I also added a small piece of bicycle inner tube, just to reduce any slight movement between the two sections, due to minor size differences.

Parts List : 4 Piece Paddle Moulded Paddle Grips Shaft Locking Pins Old Vacuum Cleaner Tube Old Bicycle Inner Tube

With just a little time and effort, which I quite enjoyed, I now have a versatile paddle that can be used to satisfy any situation. The trouble then begins when a third member of the kayak is introduced... Anyway, this will do for now. Please let me know your feedback on this design in the comments below.

Dallmyd Has It, Why Can't We ?

The Mini-Jesters love going on adventures with me and appearing on JesterBushcraft videos (Their words, not mine...ha ha!). And whilst they are no doubt proud of what we have achieved on the channel, they still have their own particular Youtube favourites. In my sons case, non more so than DALLMYD, a much loved Youtuber who is an angler, freediver, scuba diver and treasure hunter with over 5,000,000+ Subscribers!

"Dad, why have we not got merch ?" And a phrase I have been hearing repeatedly from the Mini-Jesters is "Merch", which I have since learned means merchandise. And it seems a lot of Youtubers worth their salt, have "Merch". Subsequently they keep asking me "Dad, why have we not got merch ?"

And yes, I know I'm not in the same league as DALLMYD or any other successful Youtubers or celebrities. But what I am, is a really cool Dad, who likes to keep his kids happy and the talk of their school. Which is why, a few days ago, I set to work creating some JesterBushcraft merchandise, which if nobody else likes, at least my kids will ask kindly for a few items in my UK Store.

I've tried to provide a variety of apparel, to cater for all my loyal subscribers, be they gentlemen, ladies and not forgetting of course those Mini-Jesters.

So please feel free to take a quick look round the JesterBushcraft UK Store (US Store in progress) and let me know what you think of the designs in the comments below.

The Mini-Jesters have already browsed the store and picked out what they like, so that's Christmas presents sorted !