Bushcraft Weekend

Come and immerse yourselves in the natural world for a weekend.

? 2-Day Introduction to Bushcraft: A Family-Friendly Woodland Retreat in Derbyshire

Build it, find it, cook it, make it, try it!

Every time you step into the woods, it’s a new experience. You’ll notice fresh details, learn something new, and never regret a single moment spent outdoors. Our 2-Day Introduction to Bushcraft is designed to help you immerse yourself in nature, develop practical outdoor skills, and enjoy the journey in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Held in a beautiful private woodland near Melbourne, Derbyshire, this weekend course is perfect for families, beginners, educators, and anyone curious about bushcraft. Whether you’re new to outdoor living or looking to deepen your skills, you’ll leave feeling more confident, connected, and inspired.

Rooted in decades of experience, our bushcraft journey began in the late 1980s with scout groups working toward their Backwoodsman Survival Badge. Today, we continue to share these essential skills with warmth, inclusivity, and respect for the land.

? Course Schedule

Starts: Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

Finishes: Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

What You’ll Learn Over Two Days:

 Fire Lighting & Management

Explore a variety of fire-lighting techniques, including spark-based ignition and fire by friction (bow drill). Learn which fire types are best for cooking, warmth, or light — and how to build, light, and maintain them safely.

Shelter Building & Tarp Configurations

Build shelters using natural materials and experiment with different tarp setups. Discover how to choose the best location and create a space that’s both protective and inviting.

 Water Sourcing & Purification

Learn how to find, collect, filter, and purify water in the wild — essential for hydration and that well-earned woodland brew.

Campfire Cooking & Wild Food Prep

Cook meals over an open fire using different techniques suited to game, vegetables, and seasonal wild foods. Prepare food as a group and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking with skills you’ve learned.

 Natural Navigation

Find North and navigate using natural signs, features, and environmental clues. A brilliant way to build confidence and awareness in the outdoors.

 Cordage Making & Tool Use

Make your own string from natural fibres and learn practical knots. We’ll also explore the safe use of bushcraft tools including knives and saws — all provided for the weekend.

 Woodland Gadgets & Carving

Craft useful items like cooking utensils and tent pegs using traditional tools. Learn safe carving techniques and enjoy the pride of making something with your own hands.

 Tinder Foraging & Firecraft

Identify and prepare natural tinders from the woodland floor. Learn how to store and use them effectively — even in damp conditions.

Nature Connection & Leave No Trace Ethics

Throughout the weekend, we’ll explore how to tread lightly, respect the woodland, and deepen your connection to the natural world. Expect moments of reflection, storytelling, and shared discovery.

This course is designed to be inclusive, family-friendly, and trauma-informed, with expert guidance in a supportive woodland setting. It’s ideal for families, educators, home-educators, and anyone seeking a deeper relationship with nature through practical skills and gentle adventure.

? Explore Further
Want to explore further? Our Navigation Courses help you build confidence in route planning and map reading.
Pair your bushcraft skills with natural navigation techniques for a deeper connection to the landscape.
Learn how to find your way in the wild with our Introduction to Map and Compass course.

? To book your place or register your interest, please email danielle@forestroutes.co.uk. Prefer to chat? Give either of us a call — we’d love to hear from you.

Dates

21-22 February 2026           18 Spaces            £180 per person

4-5 April 2026                      18 Spcaes            £180 per person

30-31 May 2026                  18 Spcaes            £180 per person

18-19 July 2026                   18 Spaces           £180 per person