Exciting News: Steven Kelly on Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning
- Steven Kelly
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 12
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. He has spent years helping everyday people build confidence outdoors — from first-timers to seasoned adventurers.
Now, you’ll see that mindset brought to the screen.
What is Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning?
Wild Reckoning is a reality-based series where the wilderness becomes the proving ground. Instead of comfort and distractions, you face terrain, weather, fatigue, and consequences — and that’s where character shows. Under Bear’s guidance, each journey pushes people to:
Communicate when it’s hard.
Make decisions under pressure.
Take responsibility.
Rebuild trust through action, not talk.
It’s not about “being tough.” It’s about being capable.
Why Steven Was Chosen for the Show
Steven’s whole approach is simple:
Skills + mindset = confidence.
You can teach someone how to light a fire, but when they’re cold, hungry, and stressed, the real lesson is how they manage themselves and their team. That’s exactly what South West Survival has always been about. It’s why this show aligns so well with what we teach on our courses:
Calm thinking under pressure.
Practical decision-making.
Leadership and teamwork.
Resilience, grit, and confidence outdoors.
What This Means for South West Survival
We’re proud, but we’re also using this moment properly. If you’ve found South West Survival through the show (welcome!), here’s what you need to know:
✅ We run real survival & bushcraft training in Devon (and across the South West).
✅ Our courses are designed for beginners through to experienced outdoors people.
✅ You’ll leave with skills you can actually use — and the confidence to use them.
This isn’t a “watch it and forget it” moment. It’s your nudge to get trained.
Train with Steven Kelly and the South West Survival Team
If Wild Reckoning has lit a fire under you (good!), here are the best next steps:
1) Beginners Survival & Bushcraft Training
Learn the fundamentals properly: shelter, fire, water, navigation, kit, and survival priorities.
2) Corporate Team-Building & Groups
If you want a team to communicate, lead, and perform under pressure, the outdoors exposes the truth fast.
3) Private Training & Bespoke Courses
Want something tailored to your goals? We build training days around your needs.
Ready to get started?
Head to our Courses page, or message us through the Contact page and tell us what you want to achieve.
Watch Steven on Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning
You can watch Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. We’ll share behind-the-scenes updates and episode info on our social channels — follow along here:
Instagram: @survival_ste
South West Survival socials (links on our website)
FAQ
Is South West Survival a Real Training Provider?
Yes — we’re a UK-based survival and bushcraft training company delivering practical courses in the South West.
Can Beginners Do Your Courses?
Absolutely! If you’re brand new, we’ll build you from the ground up and keep it safe, structured, and confidence-building.
Do You Run Corporate/Team Events?
Yes — we deliver outdoor team-building days that focus on leadership, communication, resilience, and problem-solving.
Want to train with the same mindset you’ll see on Wild Reckoning?
Explore our courses and book your place. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, message us, and we’ll point you at the best starting line.
The Importance of Outdoor Skills
In today’s fast-paced world, many people overlook the value of outdoor skills. But let’s be honest: knowing how to navigate the wilderness can be a game-changer. Imagine being lost in the woods. Wouldn’t it be comforting to know you could find your way back?
Building Confidence in the Wild
Outdoor skills are not just about survival; they’re about building confidence. When you learn to light a fire or find clean water, you gain a sense of accomplishment. This confidence spills over into other areas of life. You start to believe you can tackle challenges head-on.
Connecting with Nature
Spending time outdoors fosters a deeper connection with nature. It’s not just about survival; it’s about understanding the environment around you. You learn to appreciate the beauty of the wild and the importance of preserving it.
The Community Aspect
Joining a survival course is also about community. You meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for the outdoors. Together, you learn, grow, and support each other. This camaraderie can lead to lasting friendships.
Final Thoughts
So, are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, there’s always something new to learn. Join us at South West Survival and discover the skills that will empower you to thrive in the wild.
Let’s embark on this journey together!


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