What is Naked and Afraid really like? Former 29 Commando soldier and British TV survivalist Steven Kelly gives an honest debrief — the parts the edit can't show.

Former 29 Commando soldier and Naked and Afraid survivalist Steven Kelly on the first bushcraft skills to master — and how we teach them in Plymouth and Devon.

Where to start with survival skills in Plymouth — practical first steps from Steven Kelly, former 29 Commando soldier, TV survivalist and founder of South West Survival.

A New Era for Women in the Outdoors More women are seeking ways to get outside, build confidence, and learn practical skills while reconnecting with nature. That is exactly why Jenny and Kerry have launched She Survives in partnership with South West Survival — a new women-only outdoor experience designed to help women feel stronger, more capable, and more at home in the wild. She Survives has been created as a welcoming space for women who want to learn real survival and bus

A nuclear attack is a topic many avoid. It feels extreme, frightening, and unlikely. However, the truth is simple: in any major emergency, those who know their first actions tend to do best. If a nuclear device detonated in or near the UK, the reality is brutal. Those close to the immediate blast zone may have little chance of survival. But for those outside that destruction area, the first actions are crucial. The priority is not panic. It’s speed, shelter, contamination con

Big news from the South West Survival camp… Our founder Steven Kelly is appearing on Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning — the BBC series that takes real people into wild terrain to face pressure, problem-solve, and rebuild trust when things have gone off track. If you’ve followed South West Survival for any length of time, you’ll know that Steven doesn’t deal in “TV survival.” He teaches field-tested survival and bushcraft skills built from over two decades of military experience. H

Who is Amber Hargrove? Amber is known for turning up calm, capable, and relentless under pressure — and that’s exactly why I wanted her on the show. She’s also a U.S. Army veteran and a genuine outdoorswoman with a background that goes far beyond “just TV.” Follow Amber: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber_combat_survivalist/ What We Talk About (The Stuff That Actually Matters) This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the reality behind survival performance: Decision-making

Most people overpack gear and undertrain their mindset. The truth is brutal: when something goes wrong, it’s not your “stuff” that saves you first — it’s your decisions. South West Survival is here to help you make those decisions confidently. That’s why I built my 72-Hour Survival Blueprint — a simple, practical guide for everyday people who want a realistic plan for the first 72 hours of an emergency. This could be anything from a power cut to a vehicle breakdown, getting l

Modern life is comfortable… until it isn’t. A storm knocks the power out.Your car dies on a remote road.Your phone signal drops in the middle of a hike.Your head goes when stress piles up. Most people hope those moments never come. At South West Survival, we train you for them. We’re a Commando-led survival and bushcraft school in Devon, run by former British Commando and TV survivalist Steven Kelly. We teach real-world survival skills – the kind that actually work in the woo

At South West Survival, everything we do is built around real experience. From teaching families to light their first fire on Dartmoor, to putting veterans through demanding commando-style expeditions, the goal is always the same: Real skills. Real mindset. Real-world survival. That’s why our founder, Steven Kelly – British Commando, TV survivalist and head instructor at South West Survival – launched The Survival Debrief Podcast. 🎧 Listen here:👉 The Survival Debrief Podcas

Surviving in the wilderness is a skill that combines knowledge, preparation, and calm decision-making. Whether you find yourself lost on a hiking trail or intentionally exploring remote areas, knowing how to handle the challenges of nature can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through essential wilderness survival techniques, practical tips, and expert advice to help you stay safe and confident in the great outdoors. Understanding the Basics of Wilderness Surv

If you’re trusting someone to teach you survival, you want to know they’ve actually lived it. South West Survival is led by Steven Kelly – a former British Commando of 23 plus years, survival instructor, and TV survivalist, best known for appearances on Naked and Afraid, Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse, and Naked Alone and Racing to Get Home. But behind the TV credits and Instagram clips is something much more important: over two decades of real military experience and a genui

Pushing your boundaries outdoors is one of the most rewarding ways to grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just starting to explore the wild, outdoor challenges offer unique opportunities to test your endurance, skills, and resilience. From rugged terrains to strategic survival scenarios, these activities can transform your perspective on nature and yourself. Discover Thrilling Outdoor Challenges for Every Adventurer Outdoor ch

Learning wilderness skills is an exciting way to connect with nature and become more self-reliant. Whether you want to explore the outdoors safely or prepare for unexpected situations, mastering practical skills can make all the difference. This guide will introduce you to essential hands-on wilderness skills you can start practicing today. Essential Wilderness Skills to Get You Started Before heading into the wild, it’s important to build a foundation of basic skills. These

Nature-based learning programs offer a unique and enriching way for children to explore the world around them. These programs encourage young explorers to engage with the environment, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature. By combining education with outdoor adventure, kids can learn through hands-on experiences that stimulate their senses and creativity. Nature-based learning is more than just playing outside. It involves structured

When you step into the great outdoors, whether for a day hike or a multi-day expedition, having a solid set of outdoor skills can make all the difference. These skills not only enhance your enjoyment but also ensure your safety and preparedness in unexpected situations. Mastering essential outdoor skills empowers you to navigate, survive, and thrive in nature’s unpredictable environment. Key Outdoor Skills Everyone Should Learn Understanding and practicing fundamental outdoor

Embarking on a wilderness adventure is an exciting way to connect with nature and challenge yourself. However, it requires careful preparation to ensure safety and enjoyment. Developing bushcraft skills is a fundamental part of getting ready for any outdoor expedition. These skills help you survive and thrive in the wild by teaching you how to use natural resources effectively. In this guide, you will learn practical tips on how to prepare for your wilderness journey, includi

Bushcraft training is an essential skill set for anyone interested in outdoor survival, nature exploration, or simply gaining confidence in wilderness settings. It involves learning how to live and thrive in the wild using natural resources and traditional techniques. Whether you are a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding the basics of bushcraft can make your outdoor experiences safer and more enjoyable. Understanding the Fundamentals of Bushcraft Trainin

They say once you’ve been on Naked and Afraid, nothing scares you. But when the producers called and offered me Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse, I realized there’s always another level. This year, I stepped into a survival scenario designed to mimic the breakdown of modern civilization. No rules. No backup. Just bare essentials, sheer grit, and the kind of pressure that pushes you far beyond your limits—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Who Am I? For those who don’t know me

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to adapt and overcome challenges is more important than ever. Team challenges serve as excellent tools to foster resilience and develop problem-solving skills among individuals. Companies, schools, and various organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of such initiatives in enhancing teamwork and personal growth. The Power of Team Challenges Team challenges are structured activities where participants work together to achiev