A long-serving Plymouth-based soldier who served in Afghanistan and other overseas postings, is using his experience to teach young people survival and bushcraft skills.
Staff Sergeant Steven Kelly has served with Citadel-based 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery for over 18 years and established South West Survival as a hobby in 2015.
The idea for South West Survival came about after Steven came to terms with a serious eye disease.
“I was potentially getting discharged from the British Army. It gave me a scare, so I started to look at ways to pay the bills,” said Steven.
“Then I thought I will use my skills that I have gained from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and set up my own company, and that was when South West Survival was born.
“Luckily for me, the British Army retained me and I have progressed in my career. I have less than five years left in the British Army and I want to run my survival company full time.”
Prior to COVID lockdowns Steven was running regular survival courses at Saltram as well as team building exercises and other programmes for schools, colleges, corporate events, birthday parties and stag and hen parties.
Steven said:
“Survival and bushcraft skills today are almost a forgotten art. Simple things such as lighting a fire in the wild with just a flint are skills that are being lost in this very modern world in which we live.
“Survival and bushcraft can also really bring out the best in people – it will challenge and show hidden resilience and toughness, it can develop a great attitude, determination and leadership.
“To quote Ray Mears ‘every man, woman or child who visits wild places by whatever means will benefit from bushcraft knowledge.’
“That’s where South West Survival comes in, teaching the fundamental skills and more, to confidently survive and find shelter, water, fire and food.”
Steven’s company was recently given a Prestige Award for ‘best survival experience’ in the South West.
“I am just overwhelmed and happy that my company won a award,” he said.
Steven has a passion for teaching and is truly happy when outdoors, and he hopes to be able to impart that knowledge on those who wish to learn.
He has been on numerous survival courses in the army gaining valuable experience but maintains you can never know enough and continues to learn and practice new skills when and wherever he can.
For more information visit www.southwestsurvival.co.uk
