**Early Life and Personal Life:**
– Ray Mears grew up on the North Downs in Southern England.
– He attended Downside Preparatory School and Reigate Grammar School.
– Mears was a member of the Royal Navy section of the Combined Cadet Force.
– Initially aimed to join the Royal Marines.
– Briefly worked in an office in the City of London after A-levels.
– Met first wife, Rachel, in 1992 during a survival course.
– Married Rachel in 2005, who passed away in 2006.
– Married Ruth in 2009.
– Lives in Sussex with Ruth and her stepson.
– Awarded an honorary degree from the University of York in 2019.
**Career and Series:**
– Founded Woodlore in 1983, offering bushcraft-related courses.
– First TV appearance in 1994 with the BBC series ‘Tracks.’
– Presented ‘Ray Mears World of Survival’ in 1997 and ‘Ray Mears Real Heroes of Telemark’ in 2003.
– Won The Ness Award in 2003.
– Presented ‘Survival with Ray Mears’ on ITV in 2010.
– Series he hosted include ‘Wild Tracks,’ ‘Ray Mears World of Survival,’ ‘Ray Mears Extreme Survival,’ ‘Ray Mears Wild Food,’ and ‘Ray Mears Northern Wilderness.’
**Accolades and Achievements:**
– Awarded The Ness Award in 2003.
– Received the Mungo Park Medal in 2009.
– Helped Northumbria Police track fugitive killer Raoul Moat in 2010.
– Bestselling author of ‘My Outdoor Life’ in 2013.
– Recognized for his contributions to outdoor education.
– His TV programs have inspired many to explore the outdoors.
– Mears’ books have been well-received by wilderness enthusiasts.
**Influence and Legacy:**
– Ray Mears’ teachings emphasize respect for nature.
– Promotes sustainable practices in the wilderness.
– Encourages people to learn essential survival skills.
– Legacy includes promoting self-reliance in the wild.
– Raised awareness about the importance of nature conservation.
– Empowered individuals to explore the outdoors safely.
– Impact on outdoor education continues to inspire others.
**Expertise and Background:**
– Known for survival skills and bushcraft knowledge.
– Written several books on wilderness survival.
– Gained popularity through TV shows like ‘Ray Mears’ Bushcraft’ and ‘Extreme Survival.’
– Extensive knowledge of bushcraft and outdoor survival.
– Skilled in navigation, shelter-building, and foraging.
– Practical approach to survival has resonated with many.
– Advocates for preserving traditional knowledge.
Raymond Paul Mears (born 7 February 1964) is a British woodsman, instructor, businessman, author and TV presenter. His TV appearances cover bushcraft and survival techniques.
Ray Mears | |
|---|---|
 Mears in 2021 | |
| Born | 7 February 1964 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Television presenter, author |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Employer | ITV |
| Known for | Bushcraft |
| Spouse(s) | Rachel Mears (m. 2005; her death 2006) Ruth Mears (m. 2009) |
He is best known for the TV series Ray Mears' Bushcraft, Ray Mears' World of Survival, Extreme Survival, Survival with Ray Mears, Wild Britain with Ray Mears and Ray Mears Goes Walkabout.