Bushcraft
Practical wilderness skills — fire, shelter, foraging, and more. 1-2-1 instruction tailored to your pace and interests, in the Wiltshire countryside.
Book Your SessionWhat to Expect
Bushcraft is the practice of using natural materials and traditional skills to thrive in the outdoors. A session at Owl Lodge covers practical, hands-on skills — not theory from a classroom. You will be gathering, building, and making from the first hour.
Because instruction is entirely 1-2-1, the session is shaped entirely around what you want to learn. Beginners often start with fire-lighting and basic shelter construction before moving on to foraging, knife skills, and natural cordage. Those with existing skills can go deeper on specific techniques — friction fire methods, advanced shelter designs, or plant identification, for example. There is no fixed syllabus. The instruction follows your interests and your progress.
Sessions are practical throughout. You will leave with skills you have actually practised, not just watched. The 1-2-1 format means there is always time to slow down, repeat, and get something right before moving on.
Who It Suits
Bushcraft suits adults who want a genuinely practical outdoor experience — people curious about wilderness living, those interested in traditional skills and self-reliance, outdoor enthusiasts wanting to add practical skills to their toolkit, and anyone who wants to spend a focused day learning outdoors. No prior experience is required. If you have spent time in the outdoors walking or camping, you have a useful foundation — but it is not necessary. The 1-2-1 format means the session is always at your level, not averaged across a group.
Where We Meet
Sessions take place at Owl Lodge, Lacock, Wiltshire — a private, purpose-suitable outdoor space with easy road access and parking.
Exact directions and any specific access information are provided when your session is confirmed.
Your Instructor
Instruction is delivered by a holder of the IOL Bushcraft Competency Certificate (Institute for Outdoor Learning) — the established UK awarding body for bushcraft qualifications.
All tool use — knives, fire-starting equipment, and other bushcraft tools — is conducted with full safety briefings and supervised practice. Safety is integrated into every skill taught, not presented as a separate topic.
Adults Only (18+)
All Adventure Instructor sessions are for adults aged 18 and over.
This is a condition of participation, not a recommendation.
Under-18s cannot be accommodated under any circumstances.
Pricing
From [£XX] per session
Pricing varies by session length — half-day and full-day options are available. Contact for exact pricing tailored to your requirements.
Book Your Bushcraft Session
Get in touch to discuss what you want to learn, the session format, and to book a date. All enquiries are welcome — no commitment required.
Message on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
What bushcraft skills will I learn?
Sessions cover a range of practical wilderness skills depending on your experience level and interests. Core topics include fire-lighting using friction and ferro rod methods, shelter construction using natural materials and tarps, foraging basics and plant identification, knife skills and safe tool use, and natural cordage making. The session is shaped around what you most want to learn.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear clothing you are happy to get dirty — natural fibres (wool, cotton) are preferred over synthetics when working near fire. Sturdy footwear is essential. A small daypack, water, and food for the day are recommended. All specialist tools and materials are provided. You do not need to own any bushcraft equipment.
Is bushcraft suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Beginners are very welcome — in fact, starting with no assumptions is often an advantage. The 1-2-1 format means the session starts from your actual level, not a assumed baseline. There is no prior knowledge required.
How long is a bushcraft session?
Bushcraft sessions typically run for a full day (around six hours) to allow time to practise skills properly rather than just covering them briefly. Half-day sessions can be arranged. Session length is discussed when you book.
Do sessions go ahead in all weather?
Bushcraft is an all-weather activity — in fact, many skills (shelter building, fire-lighting in wet conditions) are best learned in challenging conditions. Light rain and cold are not reasons to cancel. Sessions may be rescheduled only in severe or unsafe weather conditions. Dressing appropriately for the weather is part of the preparation.