This week sees an incredibly unique course taking place right here in the UK, in celebration of Woodlore's 30th Anniversary. The Birch Bark Canoe Building Course started yesterday afternoon, and has brought together some highly influential figures from the world of Bushcraft. [caption id="attachment_5067" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Ray Mears begins carving his canoe paddle[/caption] Almost a decade after they first joined forces for the legendary Birch Bark Canoe episode of Bushcraft Survival, Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - the revered Algonquin Indian canoe builder - have teamed up once again for this very special course. [caption id="attachment_5066" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Introducing legendary canoe builder, Pinock Smith[/caption] And, if two masters of the outdoors weren't quite enough, students will also have the company of our special guest for the week, Mr. Lars Falt. [caption id="attachment_5065" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Pinock working alongside our very special guest for the week, the one and only Lars Falt[/caption] We visited the course site yesterday afternoon in glorious sunshine, ahead of the students' arrival. Ray, Pinock and Lars were already hard at work in the shade, carving two canoe paddles while catching up on years gone by. [caption id="attachment_5064" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Lars and Pinock taking some paddle carving tips from Ray[/caption] With a superb team in place and the sun due to continue, this week looks set to be a very memorable course for all involved. We'll be visiting each day to give you a behind-the-scenes look at this once-in-a-lifetime course, so stay tuned to the blog for updates on the group's progress. [caption id="attachment_5068" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Ray taking a break to survey his work[/caption] The Woodlore Team