Bushcraft and Survival Blog

Understanding trees and plants and their uses is one of the most underrated but vital skills in bushcraft. While most people rely on well-known species like birch, oak, or pine, there are many lesser-known native trees in the UK that offer incredible, often overlooked survival value. From flame-resistant hearth boards to rot-proof shelter poles, these trees deserve a place in every bushcrafter’s knowledge toolkit.

A small, well-fed fire will provide all the heat and cooking power you need. Larger fires not only waste fuel but are harder to control. Never leave a fire unattended. Always keep water nearby or have a spade ready to smother flames with soil. Beat down sparks or creeping flame with a green branch or flat object. Fire should always be monitored and managed like a living tool, not a spectacle

Pine is one of the most useful and versatile trees in bushcraft. Found widely across the UK, Europe, and North America, pine provides a range of resources that can help you survive and thrive in the wild. From firecraft to shelter building, pine has earned its place as a cornerstone of woodland living.

The Norway Spruce is a tall, fast-growing evergreen that thrives across the UK and much of northern Europe. While it’s commonly associated

Poplar (from the Populus genus) grows quickly, is widely available across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and offers a surprising range of

Kindling/tinder - as it burns so hot and well when dried, oak twigs can make an excellent source of second stage ignition material.

One quick tip - if your thinking about making a take down buck saw as your “forever saw” use a hardwood and dont make it too thin. The pressure needed to tension the blade can be quite alot, and theres nothing more frustrating than spending hours making one, and when you finally add tension to the blade hearing that dreadful crack as the wood spilts or snaps. Another key Factor is to make sure the verticle supports are positioned so the grain rings are running from side to s

If we are talking about Bushcraft and Survival Equipment, surely the first tool we should talk about is a Knife. So lets take a look at the iconic Wilderness Tool and see whats important. Bushcraft is a lot about decision making and making the right ones, so lets make a good one when deciding on which Knife to purchase or use, seeing as a blade is undoubtedly at the fore-front of your kit. A good Knife is a true companion. It should be your greatest friend when in the wild an

So following on from our last read explaining what bushcraft and survival is the next thing we need to know is what do we need to practice bushcraft or survival? Now this question can have a fairly short answer or be quite expansive. But im going to start with some basics here and delve into survival for a while as we discussed last time survival comes first, then bushcraft afterwards on a timeline of events, so it makes sense to first look at survival equipment and what real

What is and what are the differences between Bushcraft and Survival? Now heres a question that many of you will already have your own...