Ray Mears
Early Life
Raymond Paul Mears was born on February 7, 1964, in Kenley, Surrey, England. His interest in the outdoors and survival techniques began at an early age. Mears has often cited his early childhood experiences in the North Downs, where he would venture out and learn about the natural world, as a primary influence on his life's work1(https://www.raymears.com/about-ray/).
Education and Training
Mears was educated at Reigate College, and later at the Royal Marines Cadet School. During his time at the cadet school, he honed his survival skills and developed a deep understanding of the natural world. He also trained in martial arts, achieving a black belt in Judo at a young age2(https://www.raymears.com/about-ray/).
Career
Mears began his career teaching survival skills in 1983, when he founded Woodlore, The School of Wilderness Bushcraft. Woodlore was one of the first schools of its kind, offering courses on survival techniques, bushcraft, and environmental conservation3(https://www.woodlore.co.uk/).
In addition to his work with Woodlore, Mears has written several books on survival and outdoor skills. His first book, "The Survival Handbook", was published in 1990 and has since been followed by a number of other publications including "Bushcraft" (2002), "Essential Bushcraft" (2003), and "Wild Food" (2008)4(https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18591.Ray_Mears).
Mears has also had a successful television career, presenting a number of series on the BBC including "Ray Mears' Bushcraft", "Ray Mears' World of Survival", and "Ray Mears Goes Walkabout". His television work has been praised for its educational content and for bringing awareness to environmental issues5(https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0078ps1).
Personal Life
Mears is married to Ruth Mears. The couple lives in Sussex, England, where Mears continues to run his bushcraft school. He is a patron of the Wilderness Foundation UK and the London Wildlife Trust6(https://www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk/patrons-and-ambassadors/).
Legacy and Influence
Mears' work in promoting bushcraft and survival skills has had a significant impact on the field. His books and television series have inspired many to learn more about the natural world and to develop their own survival skills. His influence can be seen in the growing popularity of bushcraft courses and survival training programs7(https://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/ray-mears.152930/).
See Also
References
1. [Ray Mears Biography](https://www.raymears.com/about-ray/) 2. [Ray Mears Martial Arts Training](https://www.raymears.com/about-ray/) 3. [Woodlore, The School of Wilderness Bushcraft](https://www.woodlore.co.uk/) 4. [Ray Mears Books](https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18591.Ray_Mears) 5. [Ray Mears' TV Shows](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0078ps1) 6. [Ray Mears - Patron of the Wilderness Foundation UK](https://www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk/patrons-and-ambassadors/) 7. [Ray Mears' Influence on Bushcraft](https://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/ray-mears.152930/)