Summer Bushcraft Week
Five full days of woodland adventure for ages 8–16
Monday 10th – Friday 14th August 2026
9:00am – 5:30pm each day
Five full days of structured woodland learning for young people aged 8–16.
Each day builds skills, confidence, and independence through hands-on outdoor experiences.
What Happens
Each day follows a clear rhythm, with a morning welcome, skills sessions, shared lunch, and afternoon activities.
Activities are structured so that young people can join for a single day or multiple days, with skills introduced clearly and reinforced through practice during the session.
Instructors maintain a calm, supportive environment where participation is encouraged without pressure.
The week is shaped around the Rule of 3 – a simple way to understand what humans need most, and in what order:
3 minutes without oxygen
3 hours without shelter
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
Each day focuses on a theme linked to these priorities, with messages around Leave No Trace, sustainable foraging, and mindful harvesting woven throughout.
Monday – Shelters & Knots
Build shelters using natural woodland materials
Set up tarp shelters using simple, useful knots
Try designs like lean-to and A-frame
Make a tent peg or paracord bracelet to take home
Tuesday – Campfires
Learn what makes a fire burn (heat, fuel, oxygen)
Try flint & steel and traditional friction fire techniques
Find and prepare natural materials for lighting fires
Build and manage fires safely
Explore how fire supports warmth, cooking, water and signalling
Wednesday – Navigation
Use the sun, trees and natural signs to find direction
Get hands-on with maps and compasses
Learn simple emergency signals using smoke, sound or Morse code
Thursday – Campfire Cooking
Prepare and cook meals over the fire – such as burgers, damper bread or pizza wraps
Make campfire drinks like hot chocolate and wild teas
Explore different fire lays for cooking
Manage a cooking fire safely through the day
Friday – Woodland Craft
Identify useful trees and plants
Make natural cordage from nettles or brambles
Try leaf printing (Hapa Zome) and simple natural dyes
Sessions may occasionally vary to make the most of woodland conditions.
£50 per day / £200 full week – Early Bird
Early bird pricing ends midnight 31 May 2026.
What’s Included
Tuition and guidance from experienced instructors
All tools, equipment and materials
Lunch, snacks + drinks
Private woodland site access
Risk-assessed session with safety briefings
Early booking is recommended. Spaces are limited.
Why Woodland Roots?
Experienced, DBS-checked, outdoor first aid–trained instructors
Calm, confidence-building approach
Private woodland on the Llanforda Estate
All equipment + materials provided
Small group ratios allow personal guidance
One tree planted for every participant through Ecologi
Meaningful time outdoors supports wellbeing
What Young People Will Develop
Over the week, participants develop:
Practical bushcraft and outdoor skills
Resilience and independence
Teamwork and communication
Confidence through repeated success and challenge
Who It’s For
Young people aged 8–16, from first-time explorers to confident young adventurers.
Sessions are adapted to suit different ages and experience levels.
What to Bring
A complete kit list will be emailed around 4 weeks before the session begins, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare.
As a guide, your young person will need:
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear
Warm layers, even in summer
Waterproof jacket and trousers if rain is forecast
Reusable water bottle
All tools and materials are provided. We provide lunch, snacks, and drinks each day.
Location
The course takes place in our private woodland on the Llanforda Estate, Oswestry. The woodland is a short walk from the car park along an established track.
Full details — including directions to the car park, access information, and arrival guidance — are emailed to bookers around 4 weeks before the session.
Reviews
Here’s what recent participants have to say:
FAQs
What ages is the Summer Bushcraft Week for?
Suitable for young people aged 8–16.
Do participants need prior experience?
No previous experience is required. Sessions are supportive and guided, with activities introduced progressively.
Do sessions run in all weather?
Sessions run in most weather conditions, as being outdoors is part of the experience. In the event of extreme weather where safety would be compromised, we’ll contact you in advance to discuss options.
What should participants wear?
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven ground. We recommend layers, waterproofs, and clothing that can get a little muddy.
How do you manage safety across the week?
Safety is central to everything we do. All sessions are risk assessed, led by experienced instructors, and delivered with clear boundaries and guidance. Activities are adapted to suit the group, conditions, and environment.
Who leads the sessions?
Sessions are led by qualified bushcraft instructors with experience working with young people. Instructor-to-participant ratios are kept appropriate to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Do young people need to bring food?
No. We provide snacks and lunch each day. Please let us know about any dietary requirements in advance.
What facilities are available?
A basic hand-washing station and toilet facilities are available at the woodland site.