Bushcraft originates from a term used in both Australia and South Africa, dating all the way back to the 19th century. It was created to describe the set of skills required to exist and flourish within remote wilderness spaces. You may have heard it be referred to as “the bush.”

Each culture has lived on these lands and curated their own bushcraft which is passed down by generations. It teaches those to read the weather, find food and water, and build shelters and fires.

Within the UK, the wilderness knowledge base has decreased due to industrialisation, changing the way people live and work. It has been kept alive by professionals who work amongst the land.

Ray Mears has spent years studying and breaking down these traditions and accumulated such knowledge that has resulted in Woodlore, which Ray founded in 1983.

Bushcraft is a broad term. There are no single skills or techniques to master but is instead a network that is used to sustain and understand life within natural environments.

Bushcraft core skills:

Fire Craft – Making fires using friction, flint and steels and fire strikers. Bushcraft is more than just lighting a fire but is about assessing the conditions in which to create the fire, using the right materials and managing the fire safely. You must learn to cook, purify collected water and keep warm in camp using these fire craft skills.

Shelter Building – Constructing robust natural shelters or using on-hand materials to rest comfortably and safely. Learn to create shelters from what the landscape provides you.

Navigation – Use traditional methods such as a compass and map to navigate your way through the terrain. Use light, wind and other methods to work out where you are and where your destination is.

Tracking and Nature Awareness – Tracking involves reading animal footprints and behaviour clues within the landscape. Nature awareness such as bird calls, weather reading and identifying edible/medicinal plants can reinvent the way you explore the wilderness.

Foraging – develop an understanding of which flora and fauna, berries and fungi are edible, how to fish and prepare food in the wild.

Tool Skills – Tools are vital to the bushcraft experience. Knife and axe use is important for food preparation and crafting. Woodcarving can be used to create effective tools like spoons or tent pegs.

This is another common question asked when learning bushcraft.

Survival training is all about what to do in emergencies and how to react to those situations when you are lost or injured and in danger. Bushcraft isn’t reactive. Those who have trained in bushcraft have the knowledge and awareness to avoid danger from the outset.

Survival is a short-term process, but bushcraft is all about the long-term. How to confidently work your way through landscapes and remain safe and comfortable when doing so. Understanding nature reduces the fear and increases competency.

Many take up bushcraft training so they can explore the outdoors and feel safe doing so. They want to rest comfortably after seeing the world around them and to navigate the wild without relying on modern technology.

Bushcraft is incredible for wellbeing. Time spent in nature and getting in touch with the environment can transform focus, stress and overall moods. Learning these skills can improve confidence and purpose whilst removing the distractions of daily life.

It also helps to teach individuals patience and self-reliance. The learnt qualities will become transferrable and can be applied to other situations.

Bushcraft is for all.

To enjoy and train in bushcraft, you do not need to be at peak physical fitness. You do not need experience or expensive kit. You need a willingness to learn and an open mind. You must commit to detaching from screens and other interferences and immerse yourself in the real world.

Woodlore has taught bushcraft and wilderness skills to all ages and people from different walks of life.

The best way to develop those core bushcraft skills is to physically learn under the guidance of experienced instructors, like Ray Mears and the Woodlore team. To grow those skills, they need to be experienced.

Woodlore offers a range of wilderness courses to move you from beginner to a capable outdoor adventurer. Our Introduction to Bushcraft course is the ideal starting point if you have limited to no prior experience. Thise course lays the foundations of what to expect when building those skills and can provide a glimpse into what you can become as you progress.

We also offer longer courses in certain practices to enhance different skill sets and explore some of the most extraordinary landscapes the world has to offer.

We hope this guide has helped to break down the question of “What is Bushcraft?”

No matter where you begin, your bushcraft journey starts with Woodlore.