Pride of the Valkyrie: Wilderness Wildcraft Workshops
Warriors throughout history have had to endure horrendous experiences. Standing firm in a shield wall as Viking Berserkers wreak havoc. Screams all around. Limbs dismembered and skulls crushed. Blood spurting as if from fountains. Wading through knee deep mud in a trench attempting to escape an enemy artillery barrage on the Somme. Watching helplessly. Colleagues torn apart by an IED in Afghanistan. It’s no surprise that so many warriors end up with such psychological damage. Furthermore, it’s hardly surprising that a considerable amount end up seeking solace in alcohol or drugs to help face the demons.
Valkyrie Wilderness Workshops is a charity which aims to help such people. It offers support programmes for Armed Forces Veterans and vulnerable groups from the wider community. Inspired by existing wilderness therapy programmes it combines outdoor activities with structured peer support to create a unique type of outdoor recovery service.
Norse mythology tells us of the Valkyrie. These are the female figures who determine who die in battle and who live. Eir, a Norse Goddess associated with medical skill, is one of these. Her name means help or mercy. As a Valkyrie, Eir accompanied her battle-sisters. However, while the other Valkyries chose the slain, Eir chose those who would live, recover, and return to health. She is therefore the inspiration for the name Valkyrie Wilderness Workshops.
The Veterans’ Camp
Founder, Steve ‘Jock’ Baxter, invited me along to the October 2021 Veterans’ Camp. The former squaddy and recovered alcoholic is just one of a very dedicated and professional team. They deliver sessions aimed at alleviating personal and social problems.
Naturally attendees, mostly being former soldiers, weren’t averse to being out in the field. Sleeping arrangements generally were primitive but I was impressed with the set-up. There was a parachute roofed structure, complete with wood burning stove, to accommodate a fair number of people. Others camped in tents or in vans.
Numerous activities could be participated in throughout the weekend. The approach was very laid back and relaxed. It was a case of turn up and have a go. Instructors were incredibly welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable. Having said that, there was one miserable old git teaching cordage and basic trapping!
Bushcraft
I was paired up to instruct the bushcraft element of the weekend with Jamie ‘Wildman’ Frizzell. Jamie discussed types of tinder and demonstrated how to use the fire bow. Following the demonstration, people were able to have a go at making fire.
For my part, I demonstrated how to make cordage using plant fibres. Attendees then had a go themselves – and generally incredibly successfully. Cordage was then turned into a snare. This was then attached to a wooden peg, specially created for the purpose. Location factors were discussed as well as attachment methods. Finally a spring snare was created incorporating a trigger mechanism and convenient overhanging branch.
Fortunately Jamie and I weren’t instructing constantly so were able to have a go at some of the other activities on offer.
Axe throwing
One of Valkyrie’s specialisms is axe throwing and has developed its ‘Valkyrie Berserkers’ section especially for this. Having said that, it’s not just about axes. Throwing knives and anything else, within reason, that will stick in the target can be used. Don’t worry though! This is all carried out under the guidance of properly trained and experienced instructors.
Archery and field archery
Primitive societies relied heavily on the ability to procure food. Archery, therefore, was incredibly important for hunting. Valkyrie provides the opportunity to learn archery within its newly opened archery range. These skills can then be applied using the wonderful field archery range.
The latter is set within an old quarry which has become overgrown with trees, bushes and other foliage. This means that the archer can look down towards mostly static 3D targets, such as wild boar, in a relatively natural setting for hunting. There’s also a moving target of a deer which obviously requires a little more skill.
Atlatl throwing
Former KOSB Sergeant Major, Tom Lamont, has a passion for primitive hunting equipment. He has reconstructed all sorts of items including bows and arrows from various cultures. At this camp he talked about and demonstrated the Aboriginal atlatl. Participants were then able to try it out themselves.
Forged by fire
Forging proved to be one of the most popular activities on offer. Blacksmith and Farrier, Dave Baynes, with the support of Lance Walker offered everyone the opportunity to learn basic smithing. Using a mobile forge, participants were guided through the process of making a spoon. It may not have been a claymore or a samurai sword but it was a brilliant introduction for beginners.
Similarly, ex Blues and Royals, professional farrier Paul Scott, enabled ‘students’ to make throwing knives from horseshoes.
Forging seems to be a very addictive activity. It was easy to see how engrossed people were hammering away and shaping the spoon. Better still was seeing the pride in their faces, having produced a useful piece of equipment.
One to one counselling
As you might expect, one to one counselling is an important part of the recovery programme. Individuals were able to speak, in confidence, to a trained counsellor.
Ultimately, the weekend’s success wasn’t based on the activities on offer. They were purely objectives acting as optional stepping stones to help on the way to meeting Valyrie’s aim. People had fun. They learnt new skills. There was a lot of camaraderie. Being valued by others and self worth increased. But what was the real cause of its success? Peer support.
At this time of year, with the anniversary of Armistice Day approaching, we remember the fallen. We remember those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms. But let’s not forget those who survive and are scarred by the horrors of conflict. Valkyrie Wilderness Workshops remembers them and cares for them.
Currently, Valkyrie is based in North East Lincolnshire but occasionally runs camps elsewhere in the UK. Furthermore, it is looking to expand further and establish bases elsewhere to provide more accessible coverage. Watch this space to find out about future developments.
Further information:
Find out more about Valkyrie Wilderness Workshops by following the links below:
You may also be interested in:
PTSD In The Armed Forces: The Bomb Disposal Officer’s Tale by Major Chris Hunter
Anxiety versus Adventure by Mark Roberts
