I want to build a Neolithic earth lodge and prehistoric village - survival expert, Paul Moore

1. Up and at it - what is your morning routine?

I waken around seven-to-eight o’clock, then see to my dog, Uso. I’ll listen to a podcast before having a shower and planning for the day ahead.

2. What might you eat in a typical working day for...

Breakfast? A typical morning meal is eggs, usually scrambled, with an acorn or chaga coffee (I make my own blend).

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Lunch? I’m not a regular eater; I never have been. I naturally fast, as I only eat when I’m hungry, so lunch can be a late breakfast - maybe an omelette with fish. I love smoked mackerel and always eat greens with it, like some of my own foraged sorrel which has a lovely tart ‘young plum skins’ taste.

Evening meal? I love a mix of foods at dinner and one of my favourites is the very simple cabbage, young potatoes with butter and bacon. I steam the potatoes, chop them into quarters and fry them with the cabbage and bacon - delicious.

3. Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?

Nutrition is important, although I’m not into supplements. I eat a lot of food I forage myself and I have an extensive collection of teas that I make from wild plants. I do find that when I get a craving for something like chocolate, I don’t ignore it; I just have some - usually the dark variety because I love the bitterness.

Get out into the nature - it’s the greatest gym in the world

—  Paul Moore

4. Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?

I don’t believe diets work, as it’s a limited, time-controlled exercise. Changing eating habits is much more beneficial - eating in moderation and following a balanced diet. When I’m outside, I snack from nature, so I’m getting a lot of good nutrients. I certainly don’t have a ‘beach’ body - I left that behind with my 30-something self. I’m 52 and trying to keep a washboard stomach would deprive me of too much time, but I’m still fit enough to climb the highest peak in Ireland and swim and snorkel along our coastline, so I’m quite happy with that.

5. Weekend treat?

Ice cream - Ben & Jerry’s, preferably.

6. How do you keep physically and mentally fit?

I’m always ‘on the go’ and don’t go to the gym. I’m always walking, bending, stretching and balancing when in the woods, or rock- hopping on the shoreline while foraging or collecting materials for my courses. I love climbing and even though bouldering is a bit harder these days, I still love hiking up Ireland’s hills and mountains. Mentally, I use moving meditation, where your body is active but your mind is calm – I use this in the form of flint knapping or carving wood. One special place for me is at the top of Tievebulliagh, above Cushendall - it’s the site of an ancient Neolithic axe factory and at the top is a very old very smooth stone set into the hill. I like to think I’m sitting on a seat used by our ancestors thousands of years ago.

7. Best tip for everyday fitness?

Get out into the nature - it’s the greatest gym in the world!

8. Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?

At school, I was heavily involved in sports – I was goalkeeper in the school football team and I was one of the star athletes, the long jump was my specialty. I also was involved in martial arts since a young age.

9. Teetotal or tipple?

Oh, tipple, for sure… I love red wine and I make my own mead and flavoured gin.

10. Stairs or lift?

Stairs - climbing stairs gives me time to think... and you get to explore the building.

11. What book are you currently reading?

Hunter-Gatherer Ireland - Making Connections in an Island World by archaeologist Graeme Warren of UCD.

12. Best Netflix/streaming TV?

Reruns of House - it’s entertaining, comedic and interesting.

Time is the most important commodity - don’t waste it - and be confident in your abilities; you are much smarter than you think

—  Paul Moore

13. Any new skills or hobbies?

I’m currently working on a flint knapping technique involving a punch tool made of pig bone to create flint tools.

14. How do you relax?

Time spent on the sofa with my dog, Uso, my boys and my wife. I’m also an artist and use a very eclectic mix of mediums. I paint and draw and make and sell jewellery from semi-precious or locally found stones. I love creating using recycled materials like glass and copper. Crafting takes me to a different place and lets me really switch off.

15. What would you tell your younger self?

Time is the most important commodity - don’t waste it - and be confident in your abilities; you are much smarter than you think.

16. What are your goals for the rest of 2024?

To start work on my Neolithic earth lodge and prehistoric village I’m planning to build. I want people in Ireland to learn more about our Irish prehistory.

17. What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?

It can be 12 o’clock or 3am - I certainly don’t get enough sleep, but I don’t seem to need much.

18. Biggest gripe or regret?

I regret not being more confident of my own abilities in my younger years and listening to the wrong people just because they were family.

19. Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?

I’m more focused on my family. When when I was younger, I was trying to achieve - I now realise I have done a lot, so helping my family and friends achieve their own goals means a lot more to me. I worry a lot less about people’s opinions than I used to.

20. Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event - changed your attitude towards your own mortality?

No, not really. I know at some point I will pass on, but I believe that is just the start of another journey or adventure. Death isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of something new.

Paul Moore runs Wild Walk Bushcraft based in Glenarm, Co Antrim, specialising in bushcraft and outdoor wilderness living skills. www.wild-walk.co.uk