IT IS not quite the Australian outback, but Sidmouth residents and visitors to the area are invited to spend half a day learning bushcraft and survival skills.

IT IS not quite the Australian outback, but Sidmouth residents and visitors to the area are invited to spend half a day learning bushcraft and survival skills.

If you are an aspiring Ray Mears or Bear Grylls, East Devon District Council has organised a survival session at Knapp Copse nature reserve off the A375 between Sidmouth and Honiton towards Seaton.

It will take place on Sunday, June 28, and two sessions - from 10am and 1.30pm - offer the chance to use natural materials found around the reserve to provide the two essentials of survival, warmth and cord, for tying things together.

The sessions are free and to reserve a place call (01395) 517557 as numbers are limited.

The reserve site is 1km along the Seaton Road from the Hare and Hounds pub on the A375.