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About the centre
South London
Operated by Pippin & Gile Bushcraft & Foraging Courses, a partner of adventuro.
You’ll spend a full day learning how to light and maintain fires in almost any condition, from damp woodland to dry open areas. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll explore a variety of techniques, from traditional flint and steel to fire by friction, gaining confidence and practical know-how to make fires safely and effectively. By the end of the day, you’ll be able to create embers, build fire lays, and understand which methods work best in different situations.
The course starts with an introduction to fire safety and a demonstration of different fire lighting techniques. You’ll practise using flint and steel, chemical methods, batteries with wire wool, and friction-based methods to get embers and flames going. You’ll also learn how to prepare a mix of natural and man-made tinders to ensure success in any condition.
After this, you’ll build your own fire bow set, learning how to create an ember and transfer it into a fire. Instructors will show you how to construct fire lays for varying weather conditions, and you’ll practise maintaining fires while adjusting to the environment around you. By the end of the day, you’ll have hands-on experience and confidence to light fires safely on your own in a variety of situations.
South London Woods provides an accessible yet secluded woodland environment ideal for learning firelighting techniques. The mix of open spaces and dense coppice allows for practice with different fire lays while remaining safe and controlled. Being close to London, the woodland is easy to reach but feels removed from the city, giving a true outdoor learning experience.
Private courses can also be booked at the South Wales woodland in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This location offers more remote woodland with varied terrain, making it ideal for those who want a wilder, more immersive firelighting experience.
No prior firelighting or bushcraft experience is required, as the course is designed for beginners and those looking to refine their existing skills. A willingness to spend the day outdoors in variable weather and follow safety guidance is all that’s needed.
You should bring personal kit and clothing suitable for a full day outside. Layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear are recommended, along with items on the one-day kit list, so you can fully engage in practical exercises.
Instructors bring extensive experience in firelighting and bushcraft, offering clear, hands-on guidance throughout the day. Their teaching focuses on safety, skill-building, and confidence, ensuring you leave capable and informed.
Small group sizes allow for personalised instruction, meaning you’ll receive one-to-one support when practising different techniques. Courses are structured to provide both fun and practical learning, leaving you confident lighting and maintaining fires in any outdoor situation.
Yes, private courses are available at the South Wales woodland site in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
These private sessions offer a tailored experience where you can set your own pace and focus on the skills most interesting to your group. The setting in the national park also adds a special sense of adventure. You can book these by using the 'Can't find dates or have a large group?' button above the booking form and sending us an enquiry.
No experience is required. The Firelighting Master Class is suitable for complete beginners, with step-by-step guidance from qualified instructors. You’ll be taught in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, helping you develop confidence from the start.
For those with some outdoor experience, the course provides advanced techniques to refine your skills. Small group sizes ensure you get personal attention and feedback on all firelighting methods.
You should bring suitable clothing and footwear for all weather conditions, including layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots. A rucksack is recommended to carry your kit comfortably for the 20-minute walk from parking to the woodland camp.
Other essentials include a water bottle (minimum 1 litre), personal medication, and snacks for the day. A full kit list for one-day courses will be provided upon booking to make preparation simple.
No, this course is self-catered. Participants should bring their own meals and snacks to sustain energy for the day’s practical activities.
Hot water is available on site for making tea, coffee, or other beverages if you bring a personal brew kit. Preparing simple meals outdoors is optional but not required.
The course requires standing, kneeling, and some walking across the woodland. While not strenuous, a moderate level of fitness is helpful to manage practical activities and moving between fire sites.
Instructors pace the day to include breaks, so the experience is challenging but comfortable for most participants.
The course runs in most weather conditions. Learning to light fires in wet or damp conditions is a core part of the course, teaching techniques that work in real-world environments.
If extreme weather makes it unsafe to continue, the course may be postponed or rescheduled, and participants will be notified in advance. Rainy conditions are generally incorporated into the experience.
Yes, you’ll practise with various firelighting tools and materials, including flint and steel, batteries with wire wool, chemical aids, and friction fire sets.
All equipment is supervised and safe to use, allowing you to develop hands-on confidence while minimising risk.
Group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants. This ensures personalised guidance and time for each person to practise techniques safely.
Small groups also create a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where questions and discussion are encouraged.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £89
