In this episode of The Paul Kirtley Podcast, I’m joined by Jamie Dakota and Adam Logan, two UK-based bushcraft instructors with extensive experience in both practical skills instruction and backcountry living. We explore the evolution of their respective careers in the outdoor world, from early inspirations and hands-on beginnings to teaching, guiding, and running their own courses.

Together, we dive into the realities of working in bushcraft today: the different pathways into the profession, the pros and cons of freelancing versus running your own school, and the interface between bushcraft and mainstream outdoor qualifications. We also discuss how experience in areas such as mountain leadership, youth work, and international expeditions can help shape a more holistic, grounded approach to teaching nature-based skills.

We reflect on how events such as the Global Bushcraft Symposium have sparked new collaborations, and how the culture around bushcraft instruction is shifting — with greater emphasis on openness, cooperation, and educational depth. Jamie and Adam share both personal stories and professional insights into what it takes to build a meaningful, sustainable life around outdoor education.

Our conversation forms Episode 60 of the Paul Kirtley Podcast…

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Transcript for Paul Kirtley Podcast Episode 60

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Links for Paul Kirtley Podcast Episode 60

Connect with Jamie Dakota and Adam Logan on Social Media

Howl Bushcraft (Jamie Dakota) on Instagram

a.woodsman (Adam Logan) on Instagram

Books Mentioned in Podcast 60

Garrett and Alexandra Conover – A Snow Walker’s Companion: Winter Trail Skills from the Far North
Gil Gilpatrick – Building Wooden Snowshoes & Snowshoe Furniture
Ben Law – The Woodland Year

Other Links For Podcast 60

Howl Bushcraft website
a.woodsman website
The Year Course
Global Bushcraft Symposium 2019
Global Bushcraft Symposium 2022
Frontier Bushcraft website
University of Cumbria MA – Outdoor and Experiential Learning
Wild Walk Bushcraft website

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