Bushcraft offers a chance to learn practical outdoor skills while enjoying time in nature. This full-day course teaches you how to go beyond simply surviving and instead thrive in the wild. With expert guidance, you’ll build confidence in working with tools, lighting fires, cooking by the campfire and creating your own woodland shelter.
The day begins with an introduction to the woodland basecamp, where you’ll start learning how to handle knives, saws and axes safely. Instructors will demonstrate how to use them correctly, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise while creating useful items that can help you thrive outdoors. Soon after, you’ll move on to firelighting, exploring several methods of starting and maintaining a fire strong enough to cook on.
Once the fire is burning, you’ll prepare and cook lunch together using traditional bushcraft techniques. This is a chance to enjoy shared food around the campfire while connecting with others in the group. In the afternoon, attention shifts to shelter building. You’ll learn how to identify the best natural resources to construct a woodland shelter and understand how to make it both practical and comfortable.
The session also covers how to collect, filter and purify water, ensuring it’s safe to drink. As the afternoon continues, you’ll have the opportunity to craft additional tools and practise skills that bring together everything you’ve learnt during the day. The experience ends with time around the fire to reflect, share stories and enjoy the sense of achievement from a full day of bushcraft.
Vogrie Country Park in Gorebridge is the base for this course. Set within a large woodland estate, the park offers over 11 miles of walking paths, a miniature railway and play areas, as well as a Victorian country house and café. It provides the perfect mix of peaceful surroundings and accessible facilities for outdoor activities.
The woodland basecamp itself is tucked away within the trees, offering an authentic bushcraft environment. Participants can enjoy the natural setting while still having the reassurance of amenities nearby, making it a welcoming space for both beginners and those with more outdoor experience.
There are no prior skills required for this course. All activities are tailored to suit different levels of ability, with instructors ensuring everyone feels confident and supported.
Participants should wear clothing suitable for spending a day outdoors, with long sleeves, trousers and sturdy footwear recommended. Waterproofs are useful in case of rain, and extra layers will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
This session is led by passionate outdoor instructors who are committed to helping people reconnect with nature. They bring a wealth of experience in outdoor learning, survival techniques and bushcraft, ensuring the course is both educational and enjoyable.
The centre is run by two outdoor enthusiasts who founded it to share their love of the natural world. With backgrounds in education, scouting, and survival training, they combine professional knowledge with a genuine passion for the outdoors, giving you high-quality instruction in an inspiring setting.
No prior outdoor experience is necessary. These sessions are designed for complete beginners, giving you a safe and structured introduction to the basics of wilderness skills. The activities are led step by step so you can gain confidence and enjoy learning in a supportive environment.
During the day, you’ll be introduced to fundamental woodland skills that will provide a strong foundation for any future adventures. Everything you need to get started will be covered, so you can focus on having fun and picking up new abilities at your own pace.
It’s best to come dressed in clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for the outdoors. Long-sleeved tops, long trousers, and sturdy footwear are highly recommended as they help protect against scratches, insects, and undergrowth. Waterproofs are also advisable, as the Scottish weather is known to change quickly.
Layered clothing is a smart choice, as it allows you to adjust easily depending on the conditions. Supportive boots, durable trousers, a waterproof jacket, and a practical backpack are all excellent options for staying comfortable and prepared throughout the day.
You’ll need a few essentials to make the most of your time outdoors. A waterproof jacket is a must, along with comfortable outdoor clothing and supportive footwear suitable for uneven ground. A small day sack is useful for carrying your belongings, especially if the weather brightens and you want to store extra layers.
Bringing a packed lunch and a refillable water bottle will keep your energy levels up during the day. Having these simple items with you ensures you’re well-prepared, whatever the weather or activity.
Scottish weather can be unpredictable, but there’s no need to worry. The site is equipped with waterproof shelters and covered areas so the activities can continue without interruption, even if the rain sets in.
In the event of more severe weather, such as a storm, safety always comes first. On those occasions, your session will be rescheduled for another date that suits you, ensuring you don’t miss out on the experience.
Yes, there is no minimum age, but children should be supervised by accompanying adults at all times. Activities are adjusted to suit younger participants’ abilities.
Instructors ensure that tasks like tool use and firelighting are taught safely, allowing children to gain hands-on experience while enjoying the outdoors.
Yes, lunch is included and prepared over the campfire as part of the experience. Participants also have the chance to make their own fireside treats during the day.
The meal is simple, wholesome and reflects traditional bushcraft cooking, giving you practical skills to replicate outdoors later.
You will work with knives, saws and axes, as well as other bushcraft tools for shelter building, firelighting and water purification.
All equipment is provided, and instructors demonstrate safe handling techniques to ensure you can use them confidently and effectively.
About the centre
Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, EH23 4NU
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 Earth & Nature Adventures, a partner of adventuro.
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