Grey Owl Ancestral Academy

12/08/2024

Few pictures from a “history of fire” session delivered on a martial arts and nature connection retreat.

25/07/2024

“The strange superstition has arisen in the Western world that we can start all over again, remaking human nature, human society, and the possibilities of happiness; as though the knowledge and experience of our ancestors were now entirely irrelevant”

- Roger Scruton

17/07/2024

Fragaria vesca, or commonly known as wild strawberry are starting to show themselves.
Picked a few this morning for a breakfast treat in preparation for this weekend gathering!

🍓 👣

16/06/2024

August sees the guides back facilitating the next ancestral walk, this is great introduction into the earth roamer learning skills and a reframing of thinking, and in turn bringing an new appreciation for our ancestors those life was so deeply tied to these methods and ways.

ANCESTRAL WALK-

We will take a deep dive into what our ancestors did to survive and thrive in our natural habitat, addressing and learning about methods to:

• Build shelters from: clothing to natural, properties and values.

• Make fire using both modern and historical methods, including fire lays and considerations.

• Find and make water safe, and how we can achieve our bodies needs when out in nature.

• Move and connect with nature through the ways of the ancestral hunter.

• Rediscover a more indigenous way of approaching nature and earth roaming.

This all takes place in an amazing woodland in Suffolk, with composting toilets, eco-showers, and camping bays.
As part of this event an evening meal will be provided and dietary needs catered for, these will be prepared by the group as part of the experience.

Event costs £195, £100 deposit with the remainder payable 14 days before course starts.

16 Aug '24 to 19 Aug '24.

22/04/2024

Testimonial from the Imbolc walk in February, check the website for dates for 2024 @ https://www.ancestral.academy

From Teacher to Guide

It's challenging to articulate the profound impact of this experience, but I'll attempt to summarize it briefly. I joined Mark and a group of soon-to-be lifelong friends in the woods to prepare for an extraordinary journey to the Scottish Highlands—a rugged off-grid adventure into the unknown. Mark's guidance instilled in me a sense of safety, support, and confidence, as he generously shared his expertise in bushcraft, survival skills, shelter building, fire starting, and more. His teachings allowed us to fully engage in practical learning while emphasizing the deep connection and respect we must hold for the land to thrive.

Upon arriving in Scotland, Mark seamlessly transitioned into our guide, gently encouraging us to make the most of our experience without dictating our actions. What truly made this trip unforgettable was the diverse group it brought together—individuals from different walks of life seeking respite from the stresses of modernity. Immersed in nature, we honored the land and its history, feeling as though our ancestors stood beside us, cheering our successes and laughing at our mishaps.

I'm profoundly grateful for this experience, cherishing memories that will endure a lifetime. The skills I've acquired will undoubtedly be passed down to future generations. I now possess a newfound appreciation for today's technology and an unwavering respect for those who came before us. Thank you, Mark, for this unforgettable journey. I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.

Warm regards,
Katie Lancaster - 26

Grey Owl Ancestral Academy

24/03/2024

Great word, we should bring back its use and action.

06/02/2024

Big congratulations to the earth roamers returning from the Imbolc walk this last week, they pushed through all sorts of edges and thrived in our natural habitat whilst connecting to ancestral skills.

19/01/2024

In just under two weeks, the academy heads up to near here for a 5 days of ancestral connection and skills.

The Imbolc walk

05/01/2024

Been exploring natural dying, managed to get two very different colours from linen and cotton.
Planning on foraging dyes with the seasons, as the year progresses.