Pembrokeshire Bushcraft and Survival Weekend

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. You’ll be walking over uneven ground, gathering firewood, building shelters, and taking part in optional water-based activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. The days are active and often long, with tasks that require some stamina and teamwork.

However, everything is done at a manageable pace and with plenty of support from the instructors. The course is designed to be accessible for most people with a basic level of mobility and a willingness to be outdoors. If you have any concerns about specific activities, you’re encouraged to speak with the team beforehand so they can help you prepare or suggest adjustments where possible.

Many participants come solo, looking for a unique adventure and the chance to meet like-minded people. While some initially feel nervous about attending alone, the shared experience quickly encourages strong friendships and meaningful connections. The combination of outdoor challenges and social time around the fire creates a natural bond among the group.

The trips attract a diverse range of people from across the world, generally aged from late teens through to late seventies. The typical gender split is around 30% female and 70% male, with most participants speaking English as their first language. Everyone shares a common curiosity for adventure and the unusual, making the group dynamic friendly and supportive.

Not at all—this weekend is suitable for complete beginners as well as those looking to build on past experience. The course is designed to teach you everything you need from the ground up. You'll be shown how to identify wild foods, make fire using different methods, and construct a shelter using what you can find around you. Each task is demonstrated clearly before you try it for yourself.

If you do have previous experience, the instructors are happy to offer more advanced techniques or extra challenges to stretch your skills further. The group will often work together on tasks, so everyone learns from each other as well. The weekend strikes a good balance between structure and adaptability, meaning no one feels out of their depth or held back.

You’ll be sleeping out in tents, provided as part of the group kit, with basic mats included. While this isn’t a luxury camping experience, the set-up is reliable and well thought out, allowing you to focus on the skills and outdoor living. You'll be wild camping with the appropriate permissions, which means staying close to nature while still following good environmental practice.

Each participant will help with setting up the sleeping area, and the instructors will guide you in choosing a suitable spot and understanding how to stay warm, dry, and safe outdoors. If you'd prefer to bring your own kit, you're welcome to do so—just check with the team in advance for recommendations on what’s suitable.

You will be taught by Naomi Allsworth. While living alone in a self-built shelter in the Canadian Arctic for Channel 4’s ALONE, Naomi faced extreme conditions, hunted her own food, and encountered predators—all with minimal gear. The experience tested her survival skills and deepened her connection to nature.

Yes, safety is a top priority throughout the weekend. Although the experience is designed to feel wild and adventurous, there’s always a safety net in place. All instructors are highly trained in bushcraft, outdoor safety, and first aid. Risk assessments are done in advance for each activity, and safety briefings are given before any higher-risk task, such as using cutting tools, lighting fires, or entering the water.

For kayaking or paddleboarding, all necessary safety gear is provided, and conditions are checked before going out. The team ensures that each element of the weekend is appropriate for the weather, group ability, and environment. You’ll never be pushed to do something you’re not comfortable with, and support is always available if you need it.

Food is a key part of the experience. You’ll forage for some ingredients during the course, which will be added to shared meals cooked over the fire. In addition to wild foods, the team provides hearty meals and snacks throughout the weekend, using locally sourced produce wherever possible. Expect a mix of stews, campfire bakes, and other simple but tasty dishes that fuel you for the activities ahead.

Dietary needs can usually be accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-related requests—just make sure to mention these when booking. While the course gives you the chance to cook for yourself using bushcraft techniques, there's always something reliable on hand if your foraging or fire-starting doesn't quite go to plan.

No, the course does not involve hunting or killing animals. The survival skills taught over the weekend focus on responsible, ethical bushcraft techniques that are suited to the UK environment and current legal regulations. You'll learn how to identify edible plants, forage for wild foods, catch fish using traditional coastal methods, and cook using fire, but no trapping or hunting of animals is included.

The focus is on sustainable, low-impact survival practices that respect local wildlife and the natural surroundings. Fishing is covered using permitted and humane methods suited to the area and is done with a focus on understanding tides and coastal behaviour. If you're interested in self-reliance and real-world skills that don't involve harm to animals, this weekend is an ideal introduction.

Anyone with health issues should consult their doctor before booking and contact the organisers to discuss suitability on a case-by-case basis. Safety is paramount, and individual circumstances are taken seriously to ensure the best possible experience for all.

Open communication before arrival helps prepare instructors and tailor support if needed.