Craftsman, Neil Rowlands Interviewed by Sylva Fae I met Neil Rowlands through a bushcraft group that I help run. Group members often share photos of the practical crafts and tools they’ve created for use in the woods. I was especially impressed by Neil’s craftsmanship, as using a ferro rod is my favourite method to light the campfire in my own woodland.
What do you make? For the past eight or so years I’ve been making items used in fire lighting. They are mainly used by people with an interest in bushcraft and wild camping. Most of what I’ve made have been leather pouches to contain a fire kit, including a variety of natural, as well as man-made tinder, and ferro rods. Ferro rods are a modern equivalent to the traditional flint and steel sets.
Campfires and Practical Crafts As lockdown restrictions ease and the weather improves, I want nothing more than to escape to my woodland. At the heart of our camp is the campfire. Not only is it a central point to gather, but it provides a means to cook and warms us as the night air cools. The campfire is a focus for peaceful contemplation, staring into the flickering flames becomes hypnotic – it is almost a form of meditation. And yet at other times, we are drawn together around it, and the campfire becomes a social hub. Lighting a fire is primitive skill that takes time and practice to master, but once the flame takes, it is a wondrous feeling.
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