The UK’s leading bushcraft expert, TV presenter and author Ray Mears tells stories of his experiences in the wild, and it’s not for the faint-hearted…

Bushcraft isn’t dead insists renowned survivalist Ray Mears. In fact, he says it is a growing interest with more and more people eager to embrace the great outdoors and get in touch with their wild side. And he should know, having founded Woodlore: the UK’s premier School of Wilderness Bushcraft. For those not quite ready to awaken their inner bushman though there is Ray Mears: Tales of Endurance in which Mears will tell thrilling, campfire-worthy yarns from the comfort of theatres around the UK.

“It’s different stories of survival that have inspired me during my career. They’re the kind of stories that once you’ve heard them they live with you and you can draw on them as well in moments of difficulty in your own life…” he explains. The show will also feature a Q&A at the end, which Mears admits is a format he welcomes since in television you rarely get to meet your viewers.

He may have travelled the world on his adventures, but Mears is still incredibly passionate about the protection and conservation of UK wildlife saying: “We’re too happy to put concrete over green spaces and those green spaces that surround our towns were put there to be inspirational places, to be lungs, and to remind us of bigger issues.” This is a big part of Mears’ ethos; it isn’t just about messing about in the countryside, though the courses he offers are tremendous fun, there is also a deep desire to educate people on the value of nature and tap into their fundamental human instincts.

As well as the tour, Mears has a new show called Wild France which will air on ITV later this year. Much like the British version of the show, he explores the more inaccessible parts of the French countryside revealing the magnificent wildlife that lurks within. Having recently completed filming of Wild Australia just before Christmas Mears is insistent that while we may expect his journey down under to be more enthralling, that’s not necessarily the case. “I think they’re both amazing but France was very special… Australia was too but if you say ‘Wild Australia’ people get it, but if you say ‘Wild France’ it’s not so obvious, but it is amazing.”

Book available for more information visit: www.raymears.com