About us

Back to Basics has a trusted reputation delivering Bushcraft, Outdoor Education & Common Sense.

We teach safe, fun & educational activities building on skills through activities including Firelighting, Foraging, Axe Throwing, Air Rifles, Shelter Building, Water, Knots, Tree Identification, First Aid and more!

The benefits of outdoor education and in particular Bushcraft are immense. It can help develop confidence, nurture new skills, assist with well-being and helps your mental health.

Director & lead Instructor is Jonathan Earle, ‘The Bushcraft Man‘. Jonathan has been an outdoor instructor for 8 years. Prior & during this time he worked as a Criminal Lawyer for 18 years with extensive knowledge of Health & Safety law enabling him to advise clients on risk assessments and best practice. He has written an Activity & Outdoor Learning & Achievement Progress Booklet that helps students, teachers, SMT & stakeholders track & cross reference academic progress.

We bring a real passion to share knowledge, understanding and enable everyone to achieve success.

Our Team

Jonathan Earle

Director & Lead Instructor

Jonathan has been an outdoor instructor for 8 years. Prior & during this time he worked as a Criminal Lawyer for 18 years with extensive knowledge of Health & Safety law enabling him to advise clients on risk assessments and best practice. He has written an Activity & Outdoor Learning & Achievement Progress Booklet that helps students, teachers, SMT & stakeholders track & cross reference academic progress.

Jonathan runs adults training courses including school activity leader training for teachers & teaching assistants. These courses are CPD accredited and with ongoing support allow the school staff to teaching outdoor learning with confidence.

Jonathan has a real passion to share knowledge, understanding and enable everyone to achieve success.

Jonathan has undertaken training with Dave Watson, Ray Mears, Les Hiddins (Bushtucker Man) & Dave Canterbury which has helped him develop and hone skills.

Joanthan is an Accredited practitioner of the institute of outdoor learning and is the only accredited practitioner in the whole of Norfolk.

Academic, Professional Qualifications & Courses

Law Degree (LLB Hons)
Accredited Practitioner of the IOL (APIOL)
First aid instructor
Food Hygiene Trainer
Fire Safety & Marshalling Trainer
Health & Safety Trainer
Archery GB instructor
YPS diploma tutor NRSA
Axe throwing trainer & Instructor
Level 3 Award in Education & Training
Diploma in Psychotherapy
Theory & Practice of a Nurture Group
Certificate in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Diploma In Hypnotherapy
Herbalist Diploma
Certificate in Complete Mind Therapy (CMT)
Health Walks Leader
NLP Practitioner.
First Aid trained including outdoor adventure & pediatric
Safeguarding trained
Boxhall profile trained
Certificate in Understanding Autism – National Autistic Society
Certificate in Autism, sport and physical activity- National Autistic Society
Certificate in Prevent – Home Office

All Staff members are:

Safeguarding trained

Enhanced DBS

Paediatric First Aid trained

Outdoor Activity First Aid Trained

Fire Safety Level 1

Fire Marshal level 2

Food Hygiene level 2

Mark Leggett

Director & Instructor

Mark runs group session as a leader and participates in ongoing training with Jonathan to enhance his abilities. Mark also runs soft arrow archery sessions. Mark has a keen eye for whittling and the kuksa’s and spoons he produces are superb.

Mark has undertaken training with Dave Watson & Dave Canterbury which has helped him develop and hone skills.

Ben
Stillwell

Assistant Leader

Ben is a volunteer assistant leader with Back to Basics. Ben is developing his Bushcraft skills and attends 4 evening sessions a week working with junior & senior groups. Ben assists with children’s sessions during holiday sessions & at schools. He also delivers soft arrow archery, is training to be an axe throwing instructor and is fast approaching becoming a Bushcraft leader.

Join the team.

Volunteer Leader positions are often available (training will be provided). If you would like to register your interest in any volunteer or paid post that may open please get in touch.

Contact

Back to Basics Bushcrafters CIC is a registered Community Interest Company 10359329. This means we operate as a Community business and we are Not for Profit. We have 4 Directors, 3 of these positions are voluntary positions. Back to Basics Bushcraters CIC are very fortunate to have dedicated people whose aim is to put back to society and therefore underpinning our vision. Our Directors are Jonathan Earle – Managing Director, Mark Leggett – Bushcraft Leader & Hydraulic Engineer and Jason Plant – Graphic Designer.