This is a one day course for children (no accompanying adult) exploring the world of Bushcraft. Guests learn about and experiment with all aspects of survival: Shelter, Water, Fire, and Food. This provides participants with the confidence to feel safe and secure in nature and the skill set to have fun anywhere, all around the world.

We teach about knife safety, various carving techniques, and basic knots. Guests learn to make a debris hut which offers a way to stay alive pretty much anywhere in the northern hemisphere. We also cover using fire safely and creating it in the same way that has been used for thousands of years - rubbing sticks together - along with how to collect and purify water and forage for useful and medicinal plants. Guests also learn about primitive trapping and hunting methods, and the ancient art of stalking.

Throughout the day we play games to build awareness, hone the senses and, most importantly, have loads of fun.

Guests go home with some woodland bling: natural cordage, a bow drill kit, a throwing and digging stick and a brain full of knowledge to play with at leisure.

This course is run by Adam Hendley, our resident Bushcrafter, whose kind, calm approach to teaching puts everyone at ease and assures a good day is had by all. Guy Mallinson assists.

Essential Information:

The course cost is £95 + VAT (£111.63) per child, including materials and morning and afternoon soft drinks and snacks. Tools are also supplied for use during the course within this price.

The course is held for two different age groups, 8-11 or 10-14. No accompanying adult is required.

The days run from 9.30 for a 10.00 start. We supply tea, coffee, soft drinks biscuits and cake for the morning and the afternoon breaks but children need to bring their own packed lunch.

We aim to stop at 4.00 p.m and children should be collected then.

Sturdy footwear should be worn. together with clothing suitable for walking through the woods - including in the rain if necessary. (However, if the weather turns very bad we can do many activities under shelters.)

If you have any questions or need further details, please feel free to contact me, Guy Mallinson, direct: guy@mallinson.co.uk. Full directions are supplied on booking.

Course Day Gallery

Photos taken during the first 'Basic Bushcraft' course, April 2010.