TIPS

5 places to learn bushcraft in the UK

by Daniel Steele

November 10, 2021

When you’re out in nature, listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot, with fresh forest air filling your lungs, the hustle and bustle of the modern world can seem a million miles away. It’s no wonder, then, that bushcraft is growing in popularity year on year!

Bushcraft, the art and science of surviving and thriving in nature, covers everything from starting fires to finding shelter and foraging for food. It’s a deeply enriching experience, suitable for all the family, which reconnects us with our natural origins.

Here are five amazing bushcraft experiences you can book onto right now.

bushcraft adventures bridgend — Source: Bushcraft Adventures

Go foraging in the Lake District

Ever spotted a mushroom in the woods and wondered if it was edible? Or thought twice about picking a handful of tasty looking berries? Whilst foraging is a simple and enjoyable way to source some tasty treats, without some basic knowledge of what’s good to eat and what’s not, it can be hard to get started.

Ben and Katherine from Full Circle Experiences offer guided foraging experiences in the stunning Lake District. Learn to live off the land and discover the health benefits of doing so, before enjoying a delicious meal together cooked over a campfire - bliss!

lake district foraging — Source: Full Circle Experiences

Immerse the kids in a Shropshire forest

Bushcraft is the ideal child-friendly activity. In our technological age, just spending a few hours a week in the woods can offer enormous benefits for young children, helping them to unwind and grow in a natural, social environment.

Located in 3.5 hectares of stunning woodland a stone’s throw from Shropshire's Welsh border, Branching Out offer forest school experiences for young children and teenagers. From natural crafts and tool use to campfire skills, outdoor cooking, or simply free play in the woods, Branching Out will help connect your young ones with nature, and equip them with skills that will last a lifetime.

branching out forest school shropshire — Source: Branching Out Forest School

Learn as a family in Scotland

One of the true joys of bushcraft is that it’s accessible for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a complete beginner, everyone can learn something and enjoy a couple of hours spent in the great outdoors.

Based near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, Greenwood Loch Activity Centre offers regular survival games for kids and big kids alike on their stunning 200 acre site. Their goal is to develop a family, nature, and wildlife-friendly activity centre. You can stay onsite in one of their state-of-the-art holiday homes, or get back to basics and camp it out!

greenwood loch shelter building — Source: Greenwood Loch Activity Centre

Release your inner caveman in South Wales

Whether it’s a race to boil a pot of tea or a test of who can build the most waterproof shelter, a bit of friendly competition can bring out the best in everyone. If you want to introduce a competitive element to your bushcraft experience, head to Bushcraft Adventures in South Wales.

Based near Bridgend, they’ll show you the ropes on all things bushcraft. Learn to start a fire without matches or a lighter, and discover how to build a shelter using natural materials capable of withstanding the famous Welsh weather! Round out your day in the woods with a bit of axe throwing, for a truly primal adventure!

Survive in a Scottish wilderness

The great thing about bushcraft is that, as well as being great fun to learn, it’s also highly practical, and could even save your life one day. If you’re looking to take your bushcraft skills to the next level, head to Angus in eastern Scotland, where Sup2Summit offer bushcraft sessions upon request.

Taking place in either a woodland or coastal environment, they’ll show you how to protect yourself from the elements and survive in the Scottish wilderness. Learn to start a fire, collect and purify water, and even master some basic snares and trapping techniques. (Don’t worry - no animals are harmed in the learning process.)

sup2summit bushcraft scotland — Source: Sup2Summit

We hope this article has helped inspire you to book onto a bushcraft experience in the UK! Whether you’re lighting fires or building shelters with the kids, spending time in nature is a fantastic stress reliever and guaranteed to get you smiling.

If you’re looking for more adventures to try, head to the eola marketplace for more. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest inspiration!