Learning in the Leaves Natural Fire Tinder – Page 1

Tinder Where Found Use DRY GRASS Probably the most abundant natural nder found in the Dry grass is one of the majority of environments. To get the most from this least effecve types of nder the grass needs to be dead, and bone dry and will nder if being used benefit with some roughing up to loosen the fibres. If, purely with a spark. – when collected the grass is damp then sprinkle it over but if you have a red some prickly shrubbery on a warm day, such as bramble hot ember ready to add where it will be held in place even if windy and it will dry to a good sized bundle nicely in the warmth of the sun. Long dead grass is best then it can be one of found around other vegetaon where it loses out in its the best for keeping a search for light, so is best collected from the edges of flame burning larger larger plants or trees where it grows to a large size and longer if it’s before being starved of light and or water, leaving it prepared correctly. dead, brown and if you’re luck, dry too.

KING ALFRED’S CAKES An almost charcoal-like fungi are most frequently found Referred to as a tool on dead or dying Ash trees. They almost look like dogs because once they are noses, but once removed from their resng place they burning they will remain act as a fantasc fire lighng tool. To prepare them you smouldering for a long may not need to do anything if they are very dry, but me and may be used they usually benefit from drying in the open air once like a primive portable removed. However, please only ever take when you lighter. Once dry they need. Sadly, they are being over collected in the Brish will happily take a spark Countryside resulng in them disappearing from certain or an ember and are areas. Taking care of the environment is the number one one of the most priority for any bushcraer. convenient forms of nder.

BRACKET FUNGUS There are several bracket funguses that are useable with Experiment with these primive firesteels. The nder produced by bracket fungi and see how you find is commonly known as ‘amadou’. As the name suggests, them to work. It’s the a ‘bracket’ fungus is found growing from a tree trunk, fleecy layer between they look much like natural shelves. the pore tubes and the cucle that you’re looking for.

BIRCH BARK Possibly the favourite nder for most bushcraers. Birch Birch bark is fantasc naturally sheds its flaky bark to keep the trunks white for use with firesteels and able to reflect the light from the sun. Peel the and will work when wet already shedding bark and keep some inside your pocket. due to the high content Only ever take the bark that is already falling away. If you of naturally occurring remove the bark that is not ready to come off you will oils. It’s also a fantasc harm the tree and also be le with a worthless chunk of material to make a nder as it will be too thick and slightly damp. nder pot from – you can even make birch bark tar from it. Learning in the Leaves Natural Fire Tinder – Page 2

Tinder Where Found Use CLEMATIS There is no preparaon of the fluffy seed heads as such, Also known as Old just ensure that they are dry. Man’s Beard, this is excellent nder, but it will burn quickly – so be ready! The bark once removed from the stems is however an excellent addion to the fluffy seed heads as it burns longer. This nder is excellent for use with firesteels.

THISTLE It’s once again the fluffy tops that you want to collect. As with all nder, just They burn very quickly, but can be collected in bulk and make sure it’s dry and I stored for use later. find it works beer if mixed with slower burning nder to give you more working me.

DEAD BRACKEN This is usually very abundant in woodlands and Use when lighng fires woodland edges. Once it’s dead and bronzy in colour using fricon. strip the leaves from the stems.

WOOD SHAVINGS Dry wood found on the ground can be collected and with With the right tools, you a sharp knife whiled into wood shavings. can cut almost any wood down into thin, dry pieces that can light if your persistent enough. When witling wood, oen the scraps will make good nder.