Learn how to prepare delicious meals using authentic campfire cooking techniques during a full day in the woods. This hands-on course covers baking, roasting, smoking, and cooking with earth ovens. Enjoy the social atmosphere of sharing food and stories around the fire.
At the start of the day, you will gather at the woodland basecamp where your tutor introduces you to the basics of outdoor cookery. You will learn how to build and control a campfire with four cooking zones, a key skill for adapting heat levels to different recipes. This foundation allows you to move confidently through the various cooking methods covered in the course.
Hands-on cooking follows, including baking rustic bread in a cast iron Dutch oven and using a portable reflector oven for roasting. You will explore hot smoking by using a simple smoker made from natural materials to flavour fish and make jerky. The day’s highlight is cooking a joint of meat and root vegetables slowly in a ground oven covered by earth. Alongside this, you’ll craft a cooking spit from woodland materials, applying knife whittling skills. The session concludes with a communal feast where you can enjoy the food you’ve prepared, exchanging stories and experiences.
Set within the expansive Park in the Past near Hope, this course benefits from a varied natural setting that includes woodland, meadows, and wetlands. The 120-acre site provides an authentic backdrop for learning outdoor skills while immersed in nature. Facilities such as parking and a campfire area make the woodland basecamp well-equipped for day courses.
Situated in the Wrexham area of North East Wales, the location offers both ease of access and a sense of escape into nature. The sustainable management of the woodland ensures an environment rich in biodiversity, supporting the connection between traditional crafts and the natural world. Participants often take time to explore the surroundings during breaks, deepening their engagement with the site.
Joining this course requires no previous experience in outdoor cooking or bushcraft. It welcomes adults of all skill levels eager to learn practical campfire techniques. Enthusiasm and a willingness to engage with hands-on activities are the most important requirements.
Since the course is conducted outdoors over several hours, participants should be comfortable standing and moving on uneven woodland terrain. Suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor conditions are essential for safety and comfort. All tools and safety equipment necessary for the activities are provided by the instructor.
The instructors bring extensive knowledge of bushcraft, forest school, and nature therapy to create a learning environment that combines skill development with connection to nature. Their passion lies in helping participants gain confidence through practical, creative activities that encourage mindful interaction with the outdoors.
This approach is rooted in respect for natural resources and a desire to revive traditional skills in a modern context. By blending cultural heritage with hands-on learning, the course offers more than just cooking techniques—it fosters a deeper appreciation for woodland environments and the benefits of communal outdoor living.
No prior experience in outdoor cooking or bushcraft is necessary. The course is designed to welcome beginners and those curious about campfire cookery, with step-by-step guidance provided throughout the day. The tutor ensures you feel supported as you learn each skill, making the process accessible and enjoyable.
Even if you have some experience with outdoor cooking or camping, the course offers valuable techniques and insights that can deepen your understanding. The hands-on nature encourages practice and confidence-building, whether this is your first time cooking over an open fire or you’re looking to refine your skills.
The menu includes a variety of dishes prepared using traditional campfire methods. You’ll bake rustic bread in a cast iron Dutch oven, roast meats and vegetables in a ground oven, and explore hot smoking techniques for fish and jerky. The food focuses on simple, hearty flavours made from fresh, quality ingredients.
Throughout the day, you’ll sample your own creations and share meals communally, which adds to the experience of cooking outdoors. The recipes are designed to be easily replicated at home or on future camping trips, giving you practical skills beyond the course.
You will work with traditional outdoor cooking equipment including a cast iron Dutch oven, a reflector oven, a ground (earth) oven, and a woodland smoker constructed from natural materials. The course also covers crafting a cooking spit using knife whittling techniques, adding to the hands-on experience.
All tools and safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear, are provided. You won’t need to bring any cooking equipment, as the tutor ensures everything you need is available and well maintained for the session.
The course involves standing, preparing food, and managing campfires outdoors for most of the day. Tasks like whittling, fire tending, and cooking require moderate physical effort and some manual dexterity, but the pace includes regular breaks and is suitable for most adults in reasonable health.
If you have mobility issues or health concerns, it’s advisable to discuss them ahead of time to ensure the course can accommodate your needs. The outdoor terrain is natural woodland, so participants should be comfortable walking and standing on uneven ground.
Safety is a primary focus from the start, with the tutor providing clear instructions on using knives, axes, and managing open flames responsibly. Protective equipment is supplied and must be worn when appropriate, and fire safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent accidents.
Participants receive hands-on guidance and supervision at every step, ensuring that techniques for handling sharp tools and controlling fires are understood and practised correctly. This focus on safety creates a secure learning environment for all skill levels.
The course takes place outdoors in most weather conditions, so participants should be prepared for rain, wind, or sunshine. Woodland shelter and fire provide some protection, and breaks can be taken in covered areas near the basecamp.
In cases of severe weather that might affect safety, such as storms or lightning, the session may be postponed or rescheduled. In such events, participants will be contacted in advance and offered alternative dates or refunds if necessary.
Dress in layers suitable for outdoor conditions, choosing clothes that can get dirty and provide warmth or cooling as needed. Waterproof outerwear and sturdy, closed-toe footwear like boots or trainers are essential for safety and comfort on woodland terrain.
Bringing a refillable water bottle is recommended, as well as sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen if the weather is warm. Personal gloves may be useful but are not required, as protective gear will be supplied.
The course equips you with practical skills and recipes that are adaptable to various outdoor settings, including camping trips, picnics, or garden cooking. You’ll gain knowledge on managing fire zones, using different ovens, and smoking techniques that you can apply using accessible equipment.
Your tutor will share tips for sourcing or improvising tools and how to safely practise these methods on your own. The aim is to build your confidence so you can enjoy outdoor cooking beyond the course, making it part of your regular outdoor adventures.
About the centre
Wrexham
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Woodland Classroom, a partner of adventuro.
