- Nationality
- British
- Born
- 1964
- Signature skills
- Wildlife tracking, Friction fire, Natural-material shelters, Plant cordage, Wilderness navigation
Background
Mears grew up on the North Downs in southern England, where he learned to track wildlife. His school judo teacher encouraged him to value knowledge over equipment. He founded Woodlore in 1983, and his television career began with BBC programming in 1994.
Survival philosophy
Mears emphasizes understanding and working with nature rather than fighting it, valuing traditional knowledge, efficient effort and using natural resources without needless destruction.
TV shows
- Ray Mears' Bushcraft · BBC · 2004–2005
- Ray Mears' Wild Food · BBC · 2007
- Survival with Ray Mears · ITV · 2010
Books
- The Survival Handbook · 1990
- The Outdoor Survival Handbook · 1992
- Essential Bushcraft · 2003
Verified facts
- Raymond Paul Mears was born on February 7, 1964, and is British. Source
- He founded Woodlore in 1983 and first appeared on television in 1994. Source
- His early bushcraft philosophy was shaped by a teacher who stressed knowledge and maximum efficiency from minimum effort. Source
- His official TV credits list Bushcraft in 2004–2005, Wild Food in 2007 and Survival with Ray Mears in 2010. Source
- His official bibliography dates The Survival Handbook to 1990 and The Outdoor Survival Handbook to 1992. Source
- Essential Bushcraft was published on June 23, 2003. Source
- The Survival Handbook covers friction fire, shelter, navigation, tracking and plant cordage while advocating working in tune with nature. Source
FAQs about Ray Mears
What is Ray Mears known for?
Teaching wilderness bushcraft through Woodlore, books and television programs.
What is Ray Mears's survival philosophy?
Mears emphasizes understanding and working with nature rather than fighting it, valuing traditional knowledge, efficient effort and using natural resources without needless destruction.
What TV shows has Ray Mears been on?
Ray Mears' Bushcraft (BBC, 2004–2005); Ray Mears' Wild Food (BBC, 2007); Survival with Ray Mears (ITV, 2010).
What books has Ray Mears written?
The Survival Handbook (1990); The Outdoor Survival Handbook (1992); Essential Bushcraft (2003).