Bushcraft and survival skills blog
Welcome to our blog. Here we thought that it would be helpful to share with you information on bushcraft, survival and wilderness living. We hope that you find it useful but remember, nothing replaces practical, hands-on experience. If you’d like to learn more or to improve your bushcraft abilities why not visit our courses page and see what we offer.
Norway Spruce
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
The festive Norway Spruce, as the…
December 16, 2019/by JohnThe festive Norway Spruce, as the…
Poo, Prints & Pawmarks
Poo, Prints and Paw Marks
Heading out into the woods, whether…
December 6, 2019/by JohnHeading out into the woods, whether…
The Oak
The English Oak
The English Oak (Qurcus Robus) is a common sight…
November 24, 2019/by JohnThe English Oak (Qurcus Robus) is a common sight…
Kids Outdoors In Winter
How To Get Kids Your Outdoors This Winter
Getting kids outdoors…
November 12, 2019/by JohnGetting kids outdoors…
Identifying Trees In Winter
Identifying Trees In Winter- A Beginner’s Guide
The most common…
November 6, 2019/by JohnThe most common…
Expedition Snacks
Our Favourite Expedition Snacks
Whether you are on a canoe expedition,…
October 14, 2019/by JohnWhether you are on a canoe expedition,…
Foraging Nuts – Top 5
Top 5 Edible Autumn Nuts
As well as a large selection of fruits…
October 4, 2019/by JohnAs well as a large selection of fruits…
Fruit to Forage Top 10
September 28, 2019/by JohnDo something amazing – learn bushcraft
Learn bushcraft
At Wildway Bushcraft, we firmly believe that…
September 19, 2019/by Tom BowenAt Wildway Bushcraft, we firmly believe that…
Treat someone to a bushcraft voucher
At Wildway Bushcraft we offer a fantastic range of wilderness…
September 17, 2019/by JohnChoosing your first bushcraft knife
The phrase ‘bushcraft knife’ is one that is occurring more…
September 5, 2019/by JohnMaking your first bow drill
Learn how to make a bow drill in this blog from Wildway Bushcraft.
August 30, 2019/by JohnIntroduction to Friction Fire Lighting
Introduction to Friction Fire Lighting: Bow Drills and Hand Drills
The…
August 6, 2019/by JohnThe…
Wider Learnings from Bushcraft
At Wildway we believe that bushcraft is about more than just…
July 31, 2019/by JohnWhat you will learn on our weekend bushcraft course
Courses at Wildway Bushcraft are about more than just survival.…
July 23, 2019/by JohnWhat The Woods Meant to Our Ancestors
Bushcraft is about more than just survival. It is about living…
July 16, 2019/by JohnCook Over an Open Fire with Your Family
There’s nothing better than being outdoors, cooking over a…
July 11, 2019/by Tom BowenLearn Something Amazing this Summer
With its long evenings and warm days, summer is the perfect time…
July 4, 2019/by Tom Bowen5 Top Tips For A Good Tarp Set Up
A tarp is one of the handiest pieces of kit when sleeping out…
June 24, 2019/by JohnThe Benefits of Being Outside
Benefits of being outside
People are becoming increasingly aware…
June 20, 2019/by Tom BowenPeople are becoming increasingly aware…
The Indoorsy Mum
I had come up with every excuse of why we didn’t ‘need’…
June 18, 2019/by JohnBushcraft, Knives and Children
Generally speaking, children and knives are not a good mixture.…
June 11, 2019/by Tom BowenIntroduce Your Family to Bushcraft This Summer
Summer is here and there is no better time for getting out in…
June 6, 2019/by Tom BowenMore Than Just Survival
The word ‘bushcraft’ is becoming more commonly used nowadays.…
May 29, 2019/by Tom BowenDiscover The Amazing Spey Valley
Discover the amazing history of the Spey valley, the beautiful…
May 8, 2019/by Tom BowenFive Reasons Why You Should Join This Year’s Spey Expedition
This year, from July 8th-14th, we will be running our canoeing…
May 1, 2019/by Tom BowenGet Away From It All On Our River Spey Trip
Ever dreamed of really, really getting away from it all? There’s…
April 25, 2019/by Tom BowenSleep under the stars, canoe the river Spey
On July 8th -14th we will be undertaking the trip of a lifetime,…
April 10, 2019/by Tom BowenChoosing wood for a bow drill
Being able to light a fire by friction, using a bow drill is…
April 4, 2019/by Tom Bowen5 Essential Knife Skills
5 Essential Knife Skills to Learn before Going Camping [GUEST…
March 26, 2019/by Tom BowenEdible Plants in the UK Spring
Spring is well and truly here, despite the recent weather in…
March 21, 2019/by Tom BowenWhat To Expect On Our River Spey Trip
On the 8th-14th of July, 2019, we will be running our annual…
March 14, 2019/by Tom BowenBushcraft knife skills – feather sticks
In this blog, we’re going to be looking at knife skills for…
February 20, 2019/by Tom BowenFriction Fire Lighting on Our Weekend Bushcraft Course
The ability to light a fire by friction is one of the fundamental…
February 18, 2019/by Tom BowenShelter Building Basics
Shelter Building Basics - What You Need to Know
Shelter…
February 13, 2019/by Tom BowenShelter…
A Look Ahead to Our River Spey Trip
On the 8th -14th of July 2019 we will be running a truly once-in-a-lifetime…
February 6, 2019/by Tom BowenCourse Dates 2019
Course dates for 2019.
December 13, 2018/by JohnThe leave no trace misnomer
Wildway Bushcraft take a look at the leave no trace ethos.
December 7, 2018/by JohnSnow Shelters to Try
It is nearly Christmas, the winter has well and truly arrived…
December 5, 2018/by Tom BowenWhy Spending Time in Nature Is Good for Your Health
Whether you head outside for your job, your hobby or simply to…
December 3, 2018/by Tom BowenMaking the Most of Your Stove in Winter
After a hard day walking in winter conditions, there is nothing…
November 27, 2018/by Tom BowenChoosing Clothing for Winter Camping In The UK
In this week’s blog, we will be looking at clothing to keep…
November 20, 2018/by Tom BowenConsiderations When Camping In Winter
In this week’s blog, we’re going to be taking a look at camping…
November 13, 2018/by Tom BowenFinding Wood For Fire Lighting This Autumn
As we move into autumn and then into winter here in the UK, the…
November 6, 2018/by Tom BowenPlants to Look Out For This Autumn and Winter
Autumn and winter in the UK can seem like a time of inactivity…
October 30, 2018/by Tom BowenShelter Building In Autumn
When it comes to bushcraft in the UK there are several additional…
October 24, 2018/by Tom BowenFive Trees To Identify This Winter
There’s no doubt about it, winter is well on its way and summer…
October 17, 2018/by Tom BowenWhat Changes in The UK Woods in Autumn and Winter
In this blog, we’re going to have a look at some of the things…
October 9, 2018/by Tom BowenLighting a Fire On Snow
As autumn draws in around us and thoughts turn to winter our…
October 1, 2018/by Tom BowenLighting a Fire In Damp Conditions
Lighting a fire in damp conditions is a vital bushcraft skill.…
September 25, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Introduce Your Family to Bushcraft
Practicing bushcraft in the UK can be a fantastic activity to…
September 4, 2018/by Tom BowenDesalination – Turning Seawater into Drinking Water
In certain situations, the ability to source clean, drinkable,…
August 28, 2018/by Tom BowenWhat to Expect On Our Weekend Bushcraft Course
If you’re thinking about booking our weekend bushcraft course…
August 21, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Prevent and Treat Dehydration
At this time of year, when the days are long and the sun is high…
August 13, 2018/by Tom BowenMake Your Sleeping Kit Work for You
Maximising the effectiveness of your sleeping kit means getting…
July 17, 2018/by Tom BowenBushcraft and Bivvying
Summer is well and truly here and with it comes an increase in…
July 10, 2018/by Tom BowenMaking Primitive Glues
Glue making has a long and rich history, possibly dating back…
June 26, 2018/by Tom BowenLong-Term Shelter Building and Bushcraft
One of the key differences between bushcraft and survival is…
June 19, 2018/by Tom BowenIntermediate Bushcraft Course
This year, we’ve introduced our Intermediate Bushcraft Course.…
June 11, 2018/by Tom BowenWhat the Woods Mean to Wildway Bushcraft
In this blog, we share the following video from Flint and Pine in…
June 4, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Sharpen Your Bushcraft Axe
A bushcraft axe can be one of the most important tools that you…
May 22, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Choose a Bushcraft Axe
A bushcraft axe is one of the most useful tools that you can…
May 20, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Sharpen Your Bushcraft Knife
“You’re only as sharp as your bushcraft knife” might not…
May 20, 2018/by Tom BowenCanoeing the river Spey in 2018
We’ve just got back from another fantastic canoeing expedition…
May 14, 2018/by Tom BowenLight a Fire, Leave No Trace
When choosing a spot on which to have your campfire it is best…
May 8, 2018/by Tom BowenFive Trees for UK Bushcraft
Spring is in the air and nature is blooming. In this blog we’re…
May 1, 2018/by Tom BowenMaking Stinging Nettle Tea
Stinging nettle tea is a staple of wilderness living. The tea…
April 24, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Tap a Silver Birch
In this blog, we’re going to be looking at how to tap a silver…
April 17, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Prepare and Cook a Fish in the Wild
How to Prepare and Cook a Fish
Preparing and cooking a fish…
April 10, 2018/by Tom BowenPreparing and cooking a fish…
Seashore Foraging in The South West
In our book, there’s not much that sounds better than bivvying…
April 3, 2018/by Tom BowenStart Your Spring Foraging
Spring is on the way, plants and trees all around us are starting…
March 27, 2018/by Tom BowenRefresh Your Bushcraft Skills
Spring is a great time to refresh your bushcraft skills and despite…
March 20, 2018/by Tom BowenForaging for All the Family
Foraging for All the Family
Bushcraft is something that is…
March 13, 2018/by Tom BowenBushcraft is something that is…
How to Catch and Cook Fish in the Wild
How to Catch and Cook Fish in the Wild
How to catch a fish in…
March 6, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to catch a fish in…
Trapping and Snaring
Trapping and Snaring a Beginners Guide
This blog looks…
February 27, 2018/by Tom BowenThis blog looks…
Foraging in the UK
Foraging in the UK
An Introduction and Tips on Getting Started
Foraging…
February 20, 2018/by Tom BowenAn Introduction and Tips on Getting Started
Foraging…
Navigating at Night
Walking at night is a wonderful experience, particularly if there’s…
February 13, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Navigate Accurately on a River in the UK
River navigation can be difficult. It’s often hard to see what…
February 5, 2018/by Tom BowenNavigate Without a Map
The abilities to find north, navigate short distances and tell…
January 30, 2018/by Tom BowenNatural Navigation in the UK
The natural world has been helping people find their way since…
January 23, 2018/by Tom BowenForaging Along Scotland’s Rivers
Foraging is a fantastic way to either support yourself or to…
January 16, 2018/by Tom BowenReading the River
Canoeing is one of the best ways of exploring the wilds. More…
January 9, 2018/by Tom BowenHow to Source and Purify Water
Sourcing and purifying water when on a long canoe trip or out…
December 13, 2017/by Tom BowenPacking for a Long Canoe Trip
There is little better than getting away from it all and paddling…
December 5, 2017/by Tom BowenHypothermia – Signs and Prevention
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can be a killer out on the trail. It…
November 28, 2017/by Tom BowenHypothermia can be a killer out on the trail. It…
Tree ID in Winter
In this week’s blog post we will be looking at plant and tree…
November 21, 2017/by Tom BowenLighting a Fire in the Winter
In this week’s blog post we will look at fire lighting in winter.…
November 13, 2017/by Tom BowenSuntan Lotion or Raincoats
In this week’s blog post we’re going to show you how to predict…
November 7, 2017/by Tom BowenChar Cloth, Vaseline and Other Alternative Fire lighting Means
In our mind there is little better than sitting around a campfire;…
October 31, 2017/by Tom BowenBow Drills: A Beginners Guide to Making and Using One in the UK
Welcome to this week’s blog post. This week we’re taking…
October 24, 2017/by Tom BowenFriction Fire Lighting in the UK – an Introduction
Friction fire lighting might be one of the most important bushcraft…
October 17, 2017/by Tom BowenLighting a Fire in Wind and Rain: Tips, Tricks and Cotton Wool
Over the next four weeks, we will be looking at fires, fire lighting…
October 10, 2017/by Tom BowenHow to Cook for the Camp: An Intro to Eating Well Outdoors
Cooking for several people while at camp can be difficult task…
October 3, 2017/by Tom BowenTarp Set Ups for Solo Campers and Couples: What You Need to Know
Tarps are a lightweight and extremely versatile alternative to…
September 26, 2017/by Tom BowenOrganisation in Bushcraft and Camping: Fire, Food and Hygiene
Organising your camp, whether you’re practising bushcraft,…
September 19, 2017/by Tom BowenWhere to Camp? Tips for Tents and Shelters in the UK
How to choose the best place to build a shelter? What makes a…
September 12, 2017/by Tom BowenMaking Charcoal
Making Charcoal
Charcoal has a huge variety of uses, from purifying…
June 25, 2017/by JohnCharcoal has a huge variety of uses, from purifying…
River Spey Wildlife
Our next big expedition of 2017 will be the River Spey Bushcraft…
March 28, 2017/by JohnBushcraft Kit – 10 Items to always take with you.
Bushcraft Kit
Now, I have been guilty of a never ending collection…
November 23, 2016/by JohnNow, I have been guilty of a never ending collection…
Looking after your axe
It isn’t just enough to have the right tools for bushcraft,…
July 26, 2016/by JohnNatural navigation
These days we tend to rely on using maps and technology to help…
June 17, 2016/by JohnPooing in the woods
When you are out in the woods, you cannot rely on there being…
June 6, 2016/by JohnSurviving without gadgets
Could you survive out in the woods without any gadgets? What…
June 1, 2016/by JohnKnife safety for children
As a rule knives and children don't mix. But a knife is an important…
May 30, 2016/by JohnHalf-term bushcraft fun
It’s half-term coming up and there are lots of fantastic bushcraft…
May 27, 2016/by JohnKnife safety tips
Being able to safely use a knife for bushcraft and survival tasks…
May 23, 2016/by JohnAnimal tracking
Animal tracking is a fascinating way to study wildlife and a…
May 8, 2016/by JohnBushcraft in spring
After the harshness of winter, spring provides a welcome change.…
March 1, 2016/by JohnLeave without a trace
One of the most important skills of bushcraft, is to leave no…
January 20, 2016/by JohnTips for choosing a bushcraft and survival school
Tips for choosing a bushcraft and survival school
There are…
January 5, 2016/by JohnThere are…
Ten deciduous trees to look out for
Without their leaves, deciduous trees can be tricky to identify…
December 25, 2015/by JohnGuide to identifying deciduous trees
As some trees shed their leaves during the autumn and winter…
December 23, 2015/by JohnWinter bushcraft
Here at Wildway Bushcraft we are always keen to encourage everyone…
December 3, 2015/by JohnGetting to grips with the longbow
If you have ever fancied unleashing your inner Robin Hood, why…
November 28, 2015/by JohnBow drill troubleshooting
The bow drill method of friction fire lighting is one of the…
November 15, 2015/by JohnWhat to look for in a bushcraft axe
An axe is a popular and useful tool for bushcraft and is generally…
October 19, 2015/by JohnPlants to forage this Autumn
At Wildway Bushcraft we enjoy the changing of seasons, especially…
September 3, 2015/by JohnBushcraft: A family guide
If you want to learn more about what outdoor adventures you can…
July 8, 2015/by JohnResponsible Bushcraft
If you have caught the bushcraft bug and keen to get outside and set…
May 27, 2015/by JohnTop 10 Bushcraft Items
When you are going on a bushcraft trip, whether it’s a short…
May 12, 2015/by JohnAutumn Foraging
We all have the capacity to feed ourselves from our natural environment…
May 3, 2015/by JohnSeashore Foraging
Seashore foraging is the art of finding food on the beach. As…
January 29, 2015/by JohnBushcraft Canoe Expedition
Week-long canoeing trips - the next step in your bushcraft adventures
Most…
January 19, 2015/by JohnMost…
UK Knife Law
It is important to know and understand the current laws on buying…
September 4, 2014/by JohnBushcraft Vs Survival
What’s the difference?
Many places offer bushcraft and survival…
July 15, 2014/by JohnMany places offer bushcraft and survival…
Natural Cordage
Natural cordage is both vital to survival skills and a satisfying…
July 1, 2014/by JohnHow to skin and butcher a rabbit
On our Bushcraft courses we teach game preparation and get students…
May 19, 2014/by JohnForaging
Who doesn’t want to believe they could survive in the wild?…
May 14, 2014/by JohnFriction Fire Lighting
An essential survival skill and a great learning experience
Four…
May 1, 2014/by JohnFour…
Feather Sticks
In the bushcraft world, fire is one of the main things people…
April 24, 2014/by JohnBushcraft Bannock Bread
Coming from the Gaelic bannach, bonnach or bhannag meaning 'morsel',…
April 17, 2014/by JohnBushcraft Fire Skills
To poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment than almost anything…
March 6, 2014/by John