Bushcraft, Fire Lighting and Woodland Craft Session in the New Forest

Sessions are carefully structured to give you the best balance of hands-on activity, skill development and enjoyment. With small group ratios and longer durations than typical commercial centres, there’s plenty of time to practise and get immersed in each activity. You’ll be guided by friendly, highly qualified instructors who tailor their coaching to your ability and aim to make sure everyone feels confident and engaged.

We only use high quality, well-maintained equipment and run our sessions from woodland bases that are designed to feel natural and authentic. Far from a typical set-up, you’ll be spending your time in a quiet, rustic woodland range that many guests have described as a “Robin Hood’s camp.” This setting, combined with the relaxed but professional instruction, makes the whole experience feel unique and memorable.

All technical equipment is provided, so you only need to focus on dressing appropriately for the weather. Comfortable outdoor clothing is best, with waterproofs or spare layers in colder or wetter conditions, and suncream and hats during the warmer months. Closed-toe footwear is required—trainers are fine. You'll be outdoors the whole time, so it’s important to come prepared for the forecast.

We also recommend bringing any snacks or drinks you might want, as well as any personal medication you may need. Sessions go ahead in most weather conditions, and being prepared helps you enjoy the full experience. There are no shops or facilities on site, so it’s best to arrive ready and self-sufficient.

Yes, dogs are welcome on site, provided they’re well-behaved and kept on a lead at all times. The woodland setting is home to deer, rabbits and pheasants, so it’s essential for your dog to remain under control. If they’re calm and used to being around people, they’re free to stay with you during the activities.

Water bowls and shaded spots are available to keep them comfortable while you take part. It’s worth bringing your own poo bags and making sure your dog is happy being in a slightly noisier setting.

Sessions continue in most weather conditions, and the woodland setting actually makes the experience feel even more immersive when it's wet. Light rain rarely impacts the session itself, and many people find it adds to the atmosphere—especially in the woods. All our equipment is suitable for outdoor use, and instructors are well prepared to adapt if the weather changes during your visit.

That said, we do recommend dressing appropriately for the forecast. Waterproof jackets, spare layers and suitable footwear make all the difference in keeping you comfortable. If it’s looking particularly wet, a hat or hood can be useful, and bringing a spare top to change into afterwards is never a bad idea. We’ll always aim to deliver a fun and rewarding session regardless of the weather.

Not at all. This session is designed to be fully accessible to beginners, with expert instructors guiding you through each activity step-by-step. Fire lighting and green wood carving may sound technical, but the skills are taught in a relaxed, practical way with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment. If you’ve never lit a fire without matches or handled a carving knife before, you’ll be in good hands.

For those with a bit of bushcraft or outdoor experience already, the session is still a great opportunity to refine your technique or try something new. The instructors adapt the session to the group, offering more advanced tips or additional challenges if you’re ready for them. It’s a balanced and flexible approach that suits mixed-ability groups well.

You’ll start with fire lighting using traditional methods—most commonly flint and steel. The instructor will talk you through different types of tinder and fire lays, and how to build a sustainable flame using only natural materials. Once you’ve got your fire going, you’ll boil water and enjoy a hot drink made right there in the woods.

The second half focuses on carving with green wood using a bushcraft knife. You might craft something useful like a tent peg, mallet, or pot hanger, depending on the time of year and group needs. There’s a big emphasis on safe knife handling, working with the grain, and using efficient techniques to shape wood with confidence. You’ll walk away with a finished item and the knowledge of how to make it again.

Yes, it’s open to participants aged 8 and over. The content is delivered in a way that’s suitable for young people, with age-appropriate tasks and careful supervision from qualified instructors. Children will have their own space to learn fire lighting and carving, with clear guidance and hands-on support throughout.

That said, the session still involves real tools and fire, so a responsible attitude is expected. An adult must participate alongside any under-18s, and the group should be able to follow instructions and stay focused while learning the skills. It’s an ideal family activity if you’re looking to try something different together in a safe and supported outdoor setting.

We have an inclusive approach and always aim to support people with physical disabilities or special educational needs. The best thing to do is contact us ahead of time so we can talk through what adjustments may be helpful to make your experience enjoyable and accessible.

Depending on the activity and individual requirements, we may be able to modify the session, adapt equipment, or provide additional support. We’re happy to tailor things where needed, and our team are experienced in creating a safe and encouraging environment for a wide range of participants.

If you book 12 or more places, the session will be private and just for your group. You’ll have exclusive use of the ranges and full attention from the instructors. This is ideal for families, birthday groups, or team outings looking for a more personal and flexible experience.

For smaller bookings, the session may be shared with other individuals or small groups. That said, group sizes are always kept low to maintain quality and make sure everyone gets time and support. If you’d prefer a fully private session for fewer people, please get in touch and we’ll see what we can arrange.

Our online booking system limits 'open' sessions to 13 people to keep things manageable when groups are mixed. However, for private or single-group bookings, we can accommodate more than this. There’s no fixed upper limit as long as we’re able to staff and prepare the session properly.

If your group is larger than 12 and you’d like to keep everyone together, just drop us a message via the adventuro chat below. We’ll discuss your needs and create a session that suits your group’s size, ability and preferences.

Absolutely. Sessions are designed to be inclusive and flexible, and we regularly run events for mixed-age families and friend groups. We’ve hosted groups ranging in age from toddlers to grandparents, and we adjust the pace and style of coaching to suit everyone.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning after a break, or have some experience, we aim to make the session enjoyable and engaging for all. Everyone is encouraged to take part at their own level, and our instructors are skilled at adapting the format to keep it fun, safe and inclusive.

Yes—please plan to arrive around 15 minutes before your session start time. This gives you time to check in, walk to the activity area and settle in before the session begins. The ranges are up to a 5-minute walk from the car park depending on the location, and it’s important that we start on time.

At the New Forest site, you’ll travel along small country roads that may include tractors or the occasional donkey crossing—so it’s worth allowing a little extra travel time. Late arrivals are treated as cancellations and are non-refundable, so do plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Yes, there’s free on-site parking at both our New Forest and Dorset locations. At the New Forest, the car park is accessed via a narrow gravel track which may not be suitable for large motorhomes, though minibuses are fine. From there, it’s a short uphill walk—around 3 minutes—to reach the woodland ranges.

In Dorset, the car park is more easily accessed and is less than a minute’s walk from the activity area. If you or someone in your group has mobility concerns, especially for the New Forest location, we recommend giving us a call in advance so we can advise or make arrangements where needed.

Since the session takes place entirely outdoors, it’s important to dress for the weather. Layers are a good idea, and waterproofs or a spare top can be handy if rain is forecast. Closed-toe shoes are essential—trainers, hiking boots or wellies all work depending on the season.

You’ll also want to bring soft drinks or snacks if you think you’ll need a top-up partway through. Any required personal medication should be kept with you, and it’s best to arrive 15 minutes before the session start time so you’ve got time to walk from the car park to the bushcraft area. Everything else—tools, materials, and hot drinks—are provided.

Yes, we require a minimum of 4 participants for this bushcraft session to run. This ensures we can deliver a proper hands-on experience with enough group interaction and time for each activity. If you’re booking for fewer than 4 people, you’re welcome to register interest—we may be able to add you to an existing session.

If a session hasn’t yet met the minimum number, we’ll keep in touch and let you know as soon as it’s confirmed. Alternatively, you can choose to book as a group of 4 or more to guarantee the session runs on your preferred date. This makes it a great choice for small groups, families or friends looking to do something a bit different together.