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Al Ainsworth - Wild Foods & Traditional Skills

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Newcastle, NSW
Al Ainsworth - Wild Foods & Traditional Skills

My name is Al Ainsworth I am wild foods and traditional crafts educator in the Hunter region of NSW.
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25/11/2024

Homeschool Bush Navigation Workshop - Newcastle

Date: Thursday 5th December
Location: Newcastle (Whitebridge/Kotara)

I am runing a hands-on bush navigation workshop designed specifically for homeschoolers! This event is perfect for kids who love the outdoors and want to learn essential navigation skills. Please shoot me a message to reserve a spot.

Reading and understanding maps
Using a compass
Natural navigation techniques
Planning safe routes

Time: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Whitebridge/Kotara (specific meeting point to be shared upon registration)

Cost $55

What to bring: Packed lunch, water bottle, sun protection, comfortable bush clothing, and a sense of adventure!

Learn valuable life skills.Spaces are limited, so be sure to register soon! For more information and to sign up, please send me a message.

22/11/2024

Little project I’ve been working on. I might need to go back and get some better supporting photography. It’s a fire-starting necklace, made using natural materials with a small firesteel toggle and a ceramic striker. I wanted it to look like a piece of jewelry first, not some kind of over-the-top survival or prepper accessory. It’s crafted with feral buffalo fox anf leather cord, designed as a backup, secondary fire-starting method—not a primary one of course

This necklace gives you the ability to carry fire wherever you go. The ceramic striker is a game-changer when paired with the firesteel. You can unwrap the whole setup and use the leather cord as a handle for both tools.

Follow the link to adopt this piece

18/11/2024

Stumbled upon a heap of geebung fruit (*Persoonia longifolia*) on the ground under this tree. The ripest ones are always the ones that drop naturally—perfect for foraging!

Also spotted a red triangle slug (*Triboniophorus graeffei*) nibbling on the geebung bark. Love finding these little guys—they’re often tucked away, out of sight. They’re like tiny bush artists, leaving crazy abstract marks on gum trees as they glide along.

graeffei longifolia

17/11/2024

Had a great time hosting another personalized bush skills workshop the other day! We kicked things off by connecting with nature, diving into plant identification techniques, spotting fascinating flora, and discovering some amazing foraging plants.

The highlight of the day was getting hands-on and crafting some awesome primitive weapons from natural materials—a fun and practical mix of creativity and survival skills.

This season is perfect for immersing yourself in the outdoors, learning essential bushcraft techniques, and experiencing the wonders of nature. Whether you're into foraging, plant identification, wild cooking, or tool crafting, I offer personalized, hands-on workshops tailored to your interests.

15/11/2024

Just made this unique little firesteel using weathered kangaroo bone and old copper wire. A functional piece made mostly from found objects. There’s something special about giving new life to materials from the bush.

15/11/2024

Foraging & Wild Foods Walk - Newcastle

I am running a Wild Foods walk on Sunday, 24rd November. The starting/meeting point will be at Frenleigh Cafe, Adamstown, at 11:15 am.

It's a great time of year to get out and about and learn about some of the amazing wild plants growing around us. If you are interested in this event.Please send me a message, and I will reserve a spot for you for this event.

This is essentially a crash course in the art of foraging wild plants, covering many local "weeds" and bush tucker plants. I will also be bringing food and drink samples to show how wild plants can be used in our everyday lives.

My personal background includes working as a chef and later training in horticulture. I combine both disciplines in these workshops and walks, focusing on both the botany and the culinary uses of wild plants.

**Cost:** Voluntary donation of $55. Free for those on Centrelink, single mothers, and refugees.
**Duration:** About two to three hours
**Meeting Point:** Frenleigh Cafe, 89 Fletcher St, Adamstown NSW 2289
**Suggested Gear:** Smartphone, hat, water bottle, rain jacket, and sensible footwear.

11/11/2024

Just finished making this compact, lightweight sharpening strop from kangaroo leather I wanted a portable piece of gear to easily pout to my backpack—perfect for those days in the field when you need a quick, reliable edge on your tools. The design is simple but super effective.

10/11/2024

Just uploaded a new video on YouTube! 📺 It's featuring my Kangaroo Leather Bushfood Spice Kit, one of the top seller bit of kit in my Etsy shop! This kit combines eco-friendly kangaroo leather with a unique blend of wild and Australian spices, bringing authentic bush flavours to your meals.

In the video, I’m cooking up a Kangaroo Mess Kit Stew so you can see how these spices bring bush flavours to life.

06/11/2024

Working hard on the Etsy shop at the moment, getting leather orders out the door. Hopefully, by Monday, things will be back on an even keel. Apologies for the hard sell, but there's still time to order for Christmas! My leatherwork is bush-inspired, featuring kangaroo and emu leather and other Australian materials. I’ve been in a creative flow, crafting some free-flow leather jewellery designs lately.

06/11/2024

I love this one—a real standout piece made from Australian kangaroo tail leather. The bracelet has a really unique texture, secured with a simple brass stud at the back. I really wanted to keep this one for myself, but it's now in my store, sadly..

# bushcraftlether

05/11/2024

Preparing a flavorful beef stew for lunch with my Australian bush food spice kit, kept in a custom leather pouch. Added a dash of native oregano and pepperberry to the mix, along with beef, potatoes, onion, and garlic – letting those unique native spices shine. It turned out delicious, and the leather kit is definitely getting well-used!.

03/11/2024

This piece has a more masculine energy. Made from crocodile back straps, the adjustable strap is crafted from oil kangaroo leather and includes a brass buckle. It’s a bold statement piece, and I like how it turned out. Working with crocodile leather can be particularly challenging, sometimes.

29/10/2024

Loving the old-school retro label—nice to see this USA classic here in Australia. Bush cooking dinner with some Old Bay. Found out about this seasoning thanks to Dave Canterbury over on YouTube; he always seems to be pulling it out of his backpack. This stuff is a blend of something like 18 herbs and spices that brings just the right kick.

27/10/2024

Just finished these firesteels with paracord lanyards, crafted from natural deer antler they have a great feel! These have a keyring and paracord lanyard that secure to your belt. Each lanyard includes a metal striker, and the S-style clip lets you quickly release the firesteel whenever needed. Making it hard to lose this tool in the bush.

26/10/2024

I'm working on this little pocket fishing kit using a vintage log cabin tin. it’s got everything you need to fish on the fly. Perfect for bush camping trips, hikes, or just staying prepared. Small, sturdy, and super handy—grab one. The pouch is now up on my Etsy store.

23/10/2024

Had an awesome time yesterday hosting another personalized wild foods day! We brewed a refreshing tea from paperbark leaves and cooked up a delicious kangaroo steak with some native Australian herbs. Along the way, we spotted some amazing wildlife and found plenty of great foraging spots—it's the perfect season to get out and explore nature.

If you're keen to learn practical bushcraft skills, foraging, and how to make the most of the bush, feel free to send me a message to book your own custom workshop. It’s a laid-back, hands-on experience for anyone wanting to connect with the outdoors!

22/10/2024

Fun day hosting a small personalized bush skills workshop.We brewed aromatic wild tea from paperbark tree leafs added some Tasmanian pepper berry to our rustic beef steak lunch cooked on a small wood stove If you're keen to learn hands-on bushcraft techniques, foraging, and bush skills, reach out to book your own individual workshop experienc

bushfoods

16/10/2024

Found this little guy, a Northern Brown Bandicoot ( Isoodon macrourus ), hiding under the old sofa today. A surprising and cool little visitor. It reminded me of the Scottish poet Robert Burns' ,To a Mouse..

*'Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!'*

Seems like even the best-laid plans of bandicoots can go astray too! Released him back into a little track of local bush where he might be a bit happier than under an old sofa, next to the lost 50c coins and hair ties.

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Videos

Howling Dingo Store Pre -Christmas Sale – Extended 5 More Days! Surprise! I’ve decided to keep the good vibes rolling by extending the Pre-Christmas Sale for another 5 days. It’s my way of saying thanks and giving you one more shot at some crazy good deals! Use the new code WILDBUNCH2025 at checkout to enjoy 15% off everything in the best store on Etsy.. Take your pick from a bunch of unique, handcrafted goodies like: - Bushcrafty Fire Kits - Handmade Belts - Knife Sheaths - Firesteels - Leather Bracelets This sale really doesn’t happen often, so don’t let it slip by! That’s it for now—happy shopping, and thanks for supporting my little store.... 👉 [Shop Howling Dingo on Etsy!](https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HowlingDingo)👈 #bushcraftinglife #crafting #Leather #crafting #bushfoods #Etsy-related #tasks #bushleather #coffee #bushes #image #Leatherwork

My latest YouTube video is now live. Constructive comments are greatly appreciated as I strive to maintain high production standards and deliver informative content. My video focuses on bushcraft and outdoor skills. Suggestions for future videos are welcome, guys. This video is a look at the Mora and Beavercraft Sloyd Knives. Follow the link in the description to see the full video.. #bushcraft #outdooradventure #bushcraftinglife #bushcraftskills #sloyd #craftsmanship #bush #survivalskills #bushcraft #bushcraftskills #bevercraft

Howling Dingo Store Pre-Christmas Sale – 5 Days Only! My grandmother used to say, :"You're as tight as an old drum!"" Well, to prove her wrong, I’m offering a special sale from my Etsy shop! For the next 5 days, use the code.. DINGOPACK2224 And checkout to receive 15% off your entire order. I really don’t do this very often, so grab this opportunity while it is runing.Discover a range of cool, unique handcrafted items, including:.. -Bushcrafty Fire Kits - Handcraft Belts - Knife Sheaths - Firesteels -Leather Bracelets That concludes the infomercial. You may now return to your doom scrolling and Temu shopping 🛍.. #Etsy's #Bushcraft #Skills #leathercraft #shop #crafting #Bushcraft #Xmas #building #epic #contest #imagethis #Bushlore #bushleather

Homeskills Bushskills Workshop: Camouflage & Stealth in Nature 📅 **Wednesday, December 11, 2024** 🕒 **10:30 AM – -3 PM** 📍 **Location:** Newcastle (Whitebridge/Kotara) This workshop will teach you the art of camouflage and stealth in nature. Gain essential skills to track and interact with wildlife up close and build a deeper connection with the natural world. -Create an Improvised "Yeti Suit"** 🧥: Craft a Yeti Suit from natural materials to blend seamlessly into your surroundings. - Master Fox Walking Techniques** 🦊: Walk silently and naturally to minimize your impact on the environment. - Learn Hand Signal Communication** 🤐: Use silent movement techniques for effective group coordination. - Enhance Situational Awareness and Nature Connection** 🌳: Improve your awareness and deepen your connectionwith nature. - Understand Camouflage** 🌿: Discover how camouflage works and how animals perceive their environment. - Explore the Ghillie Suit** 👹: Learn to create and use a Yowie Suit for effective concealment in the bush. Contribution:$55 Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early! For more information and to secure your place, please send me a direct message #bushcraft #homeshool #skills #camouflage #bush #kids #bushy #education #bushy

Had a burst of creative energy yesterday and crafted a firesteel handle from a wild boar tusk. I've started calling it Razorback Fireback (makes sense in my head). #bushcraft #survivalskills #naturelovers #outdooradventure #outdoorskills #bush #Craftsmanship #CraftingProcess #handcrafted #firesteel #BushTraining #FireLightingGear #furefoo #Firesteel #firecraft

Got upstaged by a goanna in this clip. Here’s a look at a hobo-style fishing kit I've been working on. I've also been crafting these firesteel necklace—functional and kind of rustic. Alll heading to my Etsy shop, of course. #Bushcraft #DIY #WildlifeMoment #OutdoorGear"#survivalskills #bushskills #BirdsOfAustralia #bushskills #bushcraftskills #bushcraft

Crafted some Emu & Crocodile Leather Flint & Steel Kits, the other day– inspired by the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape. Every step, from selecting the leather to hand sewn the belt pouches and using vintage tins, reflects a creative journey and this place. I try not to do boring leather work.. #HandmadeInAustralia #FlintAndSteel #EtsyFinds #LeatherCraft #AustralianMade #SurvivalGear #OutdoorSkills #Handcrafted #UniqueGifts #CrocodileLeather #EmuLeather #Craftsmanship #Artisan #ExploreAustralia ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check import

"My latest YouTube video is now up and running! I'm working hard to better represent myself on this platform, and this one has a bit of a geeky vibe going on. It features the old Shelham Army Knife from back in the day, which I've used in my knot workshops. Check it out and let me know what you think.. #Bushcraft #survivalskills #outdooradventure #bushskills #Craftsmanship #Knife #bushcraftskills

Today, I had the pleasure of teaching wild foods and a few bushcraft skills to a couple of local guys, despite the rain and wet conditions. Personally, I don’t mind the weather at all, given my Scottish background. As Billy Connolly wisely noted, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” I truly embrace the rich tradition of bushcraft and wild food gathering. Today, we identified several valuable wild edibles, such as nettles and few different kinds of greens, along with crafting plants like willow, each holding its unique potential for food, medicine, and crafting. Sharing this knowledge with others is incredibly rewarding. I encourage anyone to get outside and see what you can discover. After all, nature has so much to offer; you just need to know where to look at. #bushcraft #survivalskills #handcrafted #outdoorskills #wildcrafting #food #bushcraftskills #survivalskills #foraging #outdooradventure #EdiblePlants #EdibleWilds #BushTraining

Spent some time out in the bush today. Cooked up a kangaroo, potato, and cbeans stew, seasoned with Tasmanian pepper and native oregano, all in an old Ozzie army mess tin. YouTube vid to follow once I hack my way through an hour of raw footage! #BushcraftLife #IndigenousTraditions #KangarooStew #WildCooking #OutdoorSkills #TasmanianPepper #NativeIngredients #AussieBush #CampfireCooking #NatureConnection #YouTubeComingSoon #BushSkills #MessTinMeals #WildFoodCooking #NativeOregano #BushTucker

I had the chance to teach a father and son some bushcraft skills, and it really reminded me of how nature brings people together sometimes.I spent the day teaching some wild edible plants, covering some of the basics of firecraft, and building a shelter from palm fronds and bamboo—demonstrating how simple, natural materials can provide practical survival solutions. To top it off, I cooked a hearty bean and chorizo stew, seasoned with native oregano. It was a rewarding day, blending hands-on learning with a deep appreciation for the natural world. I have to say, that kid was a very talented individual! Future leader in whatever he ends up doing in life.. #Bushcraft #NatureEducation #WildEdibles #SurvivalSkills #Firecraft #OutdoorLearning #ShelterBuilding #NatureLovers #FamilyTime #CulinaryAdventure #SustainableLiving #HandsOnLearning #ParentingInNature #BushcraftSkills #CommunityConnection #ExploreNature#bushcraft #oz#bushcraftinglife #survivalskills #bushcraft #homeschooling #outdooradventure #outdooradventure

The idea of a spice kit is not a completely new one. But, I wanted to create something with uniquely Australian flavours and materials. As far as I am aware, this is the first time anyone has done this with Australian leather and using bush foods Some of the spices/herbs are wild harvested, and some are grown commercially. For example, the Lemon Myrtle comes from a small farm, but the Tasmanian pepperberry is wild harvested by hand. I source the spices from the small local company in Newcastle called Oztukka. Obviously, being made of leather this is something that is not going to appeal to my vegan friends. But, the kangaroo meat and leather industry is incredibly sustainable and ethical. Each kangaroo has to be dispatched by a headshot to be processed for human consumption. Most people agree that the environmental impact of the kangaroo industry is much less than the cattle industry. Kangaroo is one of the best leathers in the world and incredibly strong. The leather pouch is totally handmade by me, which includes hand dying, beeswax treatment, and hand sewn. A few people expressed concern that the glass bottles would be too fragile to take into the bush or camping. These bottles are incredibly sturdy. I have dropped them multiple times on the concrete kitchen floor and never had one break. I use this spice kit myself on my own wild food walks to demonstrate as shown Australian bushfoods flavours. So, the kit has been extensively tested. I have put a part of consideration and thought into this little product. I have made it as ethical and sustainable as possible. I live in Alawabakal land and acknowledge that the Traditional Custodians of the land pay my respects to Elders past and present and emerging. #bushcraft #bushfoods #spice #bushherb #Oztukka #wildcrafting #wildfood #ozlife #bushtuckerfood #bush#spice