Bushcraft in the New Forest

A hands-on woodland experience for family groups, social groups, youth organisations, schools and teams. Learn practical outdoor skills like fire lighting, shelter building and woodland crafts while enjoying time together in the forest.

Based in peaceful woodland near Beaulieu village in the New Forest, our bushcraft sessions are designed for groups of 8 or more and can be enjoyed as a standalone activity or as part of a half or full day programme.

Plan your Adventure!
Bushcraft activities in woodland near Beaulieu in the New Forest

Enjoy the Woodland, Learn Practical Skills

Bushcraft is about spending time outdoors and learning how to work with the natural environment. There’s nothing to escape from and nothing to “survive” — just a chance to slow down, explore the woodland and learn useful outdoor skills with your group.

Our woodland base near Beaulieu in the New Forest is the perfect place to gather around the fire circle, build shelters, work with natural materials and enjoy time outdoors together.

Bushcraft works well as a standalone session but is also a great foundation for a half-day or full-day woodland activity programme.

What Happens During a Bushcraft Session?

Every group is slightly different, but most sessions focus on a few key woodland skills that are fun, practical and easy to take part in.

Learning fire lighting during a bushcraft session

Fire Lighting

Fire is one of the central tools of bushcraft. Groups learn how to safely prepare, light and manage a fire using simple materials and techniques.

Shelter building activity in woodland

Shelter Building

Work together to build simple woodland shelters. With younger groups we often turn this into a creative challenge — building a miniature shelter or woodland home for a small character figure.

Bushcraft crafts using natural materials

Woodland Crafts

Use natural materials from the woodland to make simple crafts and tools. These relaxed activities work well for mixed groups and provide a nice balance to the more practical skills.

Outdoor cooking during a bushcraft activity

Camp Cooking

Camp cooking can be added to bushcraft sessions, particularly for longer programmes.

Groups prepare a simple one-pot outdoor meal together — often a vegetable stew cooked over the fire. It’s a great shared experience and a relaxed way to bring everyone together around the fire circle.

Cooking is only included in full-day programmes.

Ready for some time in the woods?

Tell us about your group and we’ll help build the right programme.


Start planning your visit

Half Day & Full Day Woodland Programmes

Bushcraft can be enjoyed as a standalone session or combined with other woodland activities to create a varied outdoor day.

Bushcraft half day session in woodland

Half Day Programme

Bushcraft works well as a standalone half-day session, but many groups choose to pair it with a second activity.

Popular combinations include Archery, Woodland Reset or Team Challenges.

Full day bushcraft activity programme

Full Day Programme

Choose three or four activities for a full woodland experience.

Many groups combine bushcraft with archery, team challenges or a woodland reset session to create a balanced outdoor day.


Talk to us about your group

Activity option in the Woods

Bushcraft pairs naturally with other woodland activities. Choose a mix that suits your group.

Bushcraft

Fire lighting, shelters, woodland crafts and outdoor cooking.

Archery

A relaxed target sport that works well for mixed groups.

Team Challenges

Problem-solving games that encourage teamwork.

Woodland Reset

Step away from phones and enjoy time in the forest.

Low Ropes

Ground-level team challenges that encourage cooperation.

High Ropes

Instructor-led aerial challenges for groups wanting a bigger adventure.

Bushcraft FAQs

Common questions from groups planning a bushcraft session.


Is bushcraft suitable for beginners?

Yes. Sessions are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of previous outdoor experience.

What activities are included?

Most sessions include fire lighting and shelter building, along with crafts and woodland exploration.

Can we combine bushcraft with other activities?

Yes — many groups combine bushcraft with archery, woodland reset sessions or team challenges.

What should we wear?

Comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe footwear such as trainers or walking shoes.

What happens if it rains?

Bushcraft runs in most weather conditions and sessions are adapted where necessary.

Where are you based?

Our bushcraft sessions take place in woodland near Beaulieu in the New Forest National Park.

Tell us about your group and we’ll plan the perfect bushcraft day

Share your group size and date and we’ll recommend the best programme.


Plan your Bushcraft Session