Make a compass - that actually works

If you lose your map and compass you can use and small piece of metal which has some iron content. By striking the metal repeatedly you will alter it’s magnetic properties. If this is suspended, for example of a boot lace or other piece of string, the metal will align itself with the earth’s magnetic field – it will point North and South.
This can then be used as a make-shift compass giving you the direction it the cardinal points.

Links mentioned in the video:
Navigate by the sun, moon and stars
   • Navigate without a map or compass  

Why do compasses point north
   • WHY do compasses point north  

Oh I have a few comments asking how do I know which part of the compass is pointing North.
I did explain this on the video but then I edited it out, as then I would be going into “natural navigation”, but I teach land nav, which is why I don't do NN videos. You can look at the very start of the video and you see my shadow. I filmed this video at around 10am, this will tell you where south is.
Also (not as good as the shadow) look at the tall flowers (foxglove) growing all around the location. Which direction are all the flowers on every stem. If you grow them in a shaded position the stems will have flower on all sides. I have pointed this out to groups of kids when I take them out into the hills. Moss on trees, lichen on rocks, flowers on stems, branches on tree, etc, etc. Kids love it.