Posted By Brett Day Linda Why not try : http://www.raymears.com/index.cfm He is involved with the Woodlore School of Wilderness Bushcraft they should have a good idea. As ex MOD not sure about regulations or guidance for civilians we were taken up into Wales, thrown out of the back of a truck and told to get on with it whilst avoiding being caught by a bunch of squaddies whose main motivation was the first squad to make a grab was a case of beer and a ride back to warm dry barracks !

Posted By Jonathan Breeze Linda, I am watching this one with interest, because I am at a loss as to how one is expected to apply H&S legislation, Regulations & Guidance to a SURVIVAL situation. Section 3 duties of HASWA would of course apply (but then it is also good business practice to ensure your customers survive). I am wondering if the HSE Guidance following the Glenridding Beck Tragedy could be applied? See: http://www.hse.gov.uk/schooltrips/ Also various outdoor organisations may have a take on the situation, check out the British Mountaineering Council on: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/ I wait to see how this one develops...

Posted By Jez Corfield Linda, To put it bluntly, no, there are no regulations or guidelines that cover this. Like all similar activities it is subject to regular H&S legislation, unless it was being done in Khazakstan. Key points: Policy, arrangements and written instructions for DS staff, covering emergencies, weather, communication and competencies. Risk assessment to cover salient points, such as environmental factors, STF's, cuts, burns, food poisoning, MSD's, unnattended medical conditions etc. Briefing and training for individuals to cover safety procedures, practical demonstration of techniques, equipment used, emergency procedures etc. Equipment provision - to include PPE, communications and necessary 'survival' and emergency equipment. Monitor the activity - somebody competent needs to oversee and supervise the activity, and inervene if required. The list goes on and on - The MOD have safety information available which may prove useful. Beware - there is legislation regarding the environment and animal welfare you should be aware of. If this is for an outward bound type activity, you need to come at this from two angles, the competencies of those involved (may be suited to ex-mod types) but will also need the full range of 'safety management' skills - call me cynical, but a 'damaged' executive might see the potential for litigation in this, so systems would need to be particularly robust. Jez

Posted By J Knight Hi Linda, Its not just animal welfare and food hygiene. Most wildlife (indeed, in the case of birds, almost all) is protected by the Countryside & Rights of Way Act in this country, and stautes exist even in countries having 'jungle'. Animals which can be hunted usually require either a permit or the express permission of the landholder or both. Somebody (it may have been Ray Mears) probably did break CROW during the filming of a TV series, and there was some discussion of making a legal complaint, John

Posted By Jonathan Breeze I guess that's about right Linda. It's not exactly a well regulated area (unless you count Scout badges?) By definition it's guys like Ray Mears who have learned it themselves or people who have been through the military. The former will tend not to be moderated (exams in folk medicine and foraging - I don't think so!) The latter may well be moderated but as they tend to learn from the former, it all falls down at that point. So that leaves CV's & word of mouth I guess. PS now's the time of year that Hawthorn leaves are at their best to eat. Pick the newly opened buds to make a slightly bitter flavoured salad. Garnish with dandelion leaves - tasty! Locals round by us call it bread'n'cheese.