Hello from Heath ‘Hoss’ Dawson!

Hi! I’m founder of Firefox Bushcraft, I guide people in Bushcraft and help them to feel more a part of nature. And that’s a good feeling!

I was named after a cowboy and so perhaps inevitably drawn to the outdoor life from survival and Bushcraft trips as a kid, through Venture Scout and Army Cadet adventures to campsite guide and archery instructor jobs to conservation work with the RSPB and Natural England and The Woodland Trust.

I started Firefox and full-time Bushcraft tuition over 5 years ago. I was amongst the first people to graduate with a distinction from John Rhyder’s well respected NCFE Bushcraft instructor’s course.

Over the years I have taught Bushcraft and nature skills to thousands of people- businessmen, outdoor activity instructors, children, hen and stag groups, families, park rangers, Scouts, youth groups, Forest Schools leaders and lovers of the outdoor life.

Here’s Heath bushcrafting with the BBC-

My Philosophy

Simple really- engage with nature, understand it and use it sustainably. When we realise just how much we depend upon it then we begin to cherish and protect it with a heart-felt passion. That I think is the seed of true environmental stewardship.

How do you choose a Bushcraft activity provider?

So with no official body governing the quality of Bushcraft activity providers how do you choose someone to learn with?

It’s good to check if they have any supporting qualifications, here are mine:

I also have:

 

Here are a few comments from people who can recommend a Firefox event

“That was an ace weekend, as teachers, coaches and guides we
are very sensitive to poor teaching, presentation etc and without exception we all were very impressed!
We as instructors have so many skills to learn and maintain that often we are quite resistant to new ideas, however you gave us a great experience that has left us wanting more and effused to pass on the ideas and skills to others”.

Jay Cooper, Arthog Outdoor Education Centre

“The day was very relaxed and informative – Heath is clearly very knowledgeable and experienced, he engaged the group, has a clear teaching style and encouraged student participation, exploration, and realization. Heath’s experience of working with youth groups was particularly useful and relevant to our work. We will certainly be arranging further courses in the near future”

Warren Argylle, manager, Bryn Melyn Centre

“Thank you very much for teaching us all last week. We all enjoyed it very much and what you taught us was very interesting. All of us learned a great deal about survival in extreme situations and I’m sure it will help some of us in the future. Thank you again for giving up some of your time to come and teach us, many thanks.”

Dumpton School pupils

”Heath, thank you so much for such a fantastic day. The children loved every minute of it and will remember that day for years to come. That was an extremely trouble free Bushcraft birthday party -- I am very grateful to you”.

Sarah Key, Stroud

“This is a man who knows whereof he speaks, as he spent the best part of a year living in a Tipi on a nature reserve. When he talks about living comfortably in the outdoors, you can be sure that he knows exactly what he’s talking about!”

Duncan Macleod Rhodes, Wild Connections

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It’s my job to help you get the best out of a Bushcraft course or event, using well researched, elegant and dependable ways of getting things done. We keep the groups small so you get plenty of personal attention and it’s hoped that you also get plenty of inspiration and confidence to spend more time out in Nature.

Have a look at the courses page for details or contact us if you would like to run an event for your organisation.

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