10 Essential Bushcraft Survival Skills For UK Camping Trips
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by Laurence
28 min reading time
Bushcraft and survival skills are essential for outdoor enthusiasts who want to go off-grid and truly get back to nature, but it's not always easy to know what you should learn. That's where our bushcraft survival skills guide comes in handy.
Whether you're new to wild camping adventures and want to be prepared, or you want to brush up on your existing skills to tackle a new terrain or environment, we've got you covered with our detailed guide to all things bushcraft.
Here are the survival skills we’ll cover in this guide:
Fire Craft Skills
Master the bow drill method
Learning the Ferro Rod method
Shelter Building Skills
Building tarp and cordage shelters
Constructing natural shelters
Skills for Sourcing & Purifying Water
Learn how to source water
Perfect water purification or filtration
Food & Foraging Skills
Learn basic foraging skills
Master trapping & snaring prey
Woodcraft & Navigation Skills
Hone Your Knife & Axe Skills
Understand Basic Navigation Techniques
Our Top Ten Bushcraft Survival Skills
While we don't believe you can ever stop learning about survival skills, we've picked out the top 10 skills you need to know before heading on a wilderness adventure on your own.
Fire Craft Skills
Fire is one of the most important things to master when you're going off the beaten track. It'll keep you warm at night, ward off would-be predators, and allow you to cook food and purify water.
Here are the two main ways to start fires that are suitable for beginners.
1. Master The Bow Drill Method
If you want to go back to basics, learning the bow drill method for starting fires is essential. This old but effective technique needs patience and practice. It’s a vital skill for wilderness survival.
You’ll need a few key parts: a bow, a spindle, a hearth board, and a socket.
First, make your bow from a strong, slightly curved branch with a tight string.
Your spindle should be a straight, round piece of wood about the length of your forearm.
The hearth board, usually soft wood, needs a small dip for the spindle, a notch for embers, and the socket to hold the spindle steady while you press down.
To use it, put the spindle in the hearth board's dip and wrap the string around it. Hold the top of the spindle with the socket.
Move the bow back and forth like sawing. This creates friction and heat between the spindle and the hearth board.
Soon, a small ember will form in the notch.Transfer this ember to your tinder to start a flame.
With practice, this method becomes a crucial survival skill.
2. Learning The Ferro Rod Method
The Ferro Rod method is a great choice for beginners because it's simple and reliable. It works well in different weather conditions and doesn't require much skill or practice, making it practical for outdoor enthusiasts and survival situations.
To use a Ferro Rod, first prepare your tinder.
Use dry grass, cotton balls, or fine wood shavings, and arrange them in a small, loose pile.
Hold the ferrocerium rod firmly against the ground or a stable surface near the tinder.
Scrape down the rod forcefully with the provided striker or a sharp tool, aiming the sparks into the tinder.
Continue striking until the tinder catches fire, then gently blow on the flame to help it grow.
Shelter Building Skills
Of course, fire isn't the only thing you'll need in the wilderness. Having a shelter that can protect you and your outdoor gear from the elements is key to a comfortable and safe night.
3. Building Tarp & Cordage Shelters
Building a shelter with a tarp and cord is a practical and versatile bushcraft skill. You can also adjust the setup to fit the conditions, creating different designs like lean-tos or diamond shapes, depending on your needs and materials.
This flexibility makes tarp and cord shelters an essential survival skill. Here's how to build one:
Start by choosing a good location—look for level ground that’s protected from wind and away from hazards like falling branches or flood-prone areas.
For a simple A-frame shelter, tie a length of cord securely between two sturdy trees at about waist height.
Drape the tarp over the cordso it hangs evenly on both sides.
Use stakes, rocks, or extra cordto secure the tarp’s corners and edges to the ground, making sure the structure is stable and tight.
For extra warmth or wind protection, angle one side of the tarp closer to the ground.
Debris huts are great for staying warm and protected from the elements. The compact natural materials trap body heat and shield against wind and rain.
Since they use readily available materials, debris huts are a practical choice for survival situations or minimalist camping.
To build one:
Start by finding a sturdy, fallen branch or log to serve as the main support beam. It should be long enough to cover your body with some extra space at the ends.
Prop one end of the branch on a solid support, like a tree or a forked stick, to create an angled frame.
Next, lean smaller branches against both sides of the main beam to form a triangular structure, leaving an opening for the entrance.
Cover the structure with natural materials like leaves, grass, and moss to insulate it.
Inside, add a thick layer of debris to serve as bedding and protect you from the cold, damp ground.
Skills for Sourcing & Purifying Water
One of the most crucial elements of survival is sourcing water and making it safe to drink. Humans can only survive roughly three days without water, so it's important to know these skills before heading out.
5. Learn How To Source Water
When looking for water in the wild, find sources that are likely safe and plentiful. Streams, rivers, and lakes are usually easiest to find. Always choose clear, moving water; still water can contain harmful bacteria.
Rainwater is great if you can collect it with tarps or containers. Melting snow also works, but try to heat it to be safe.
Even if water looks clean, always purify it to avoid getting sick.Don't drink water that looks dirty, strangely colored, or smells bad.
Stay away from water near factories or animal activity to reduce contamination risks.
When camping, purifying water is essential to ensure it is safe to drink. The most convenient method is to use purification or filtration products, such as portable water filters, purification tablets, or UV purifiers.
These products are easy to carry and highly effective at removing harmful pathogens from water sources. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
However, it’s also important to know natural methods for purifying water, especially in survival situations.
One method is todig a seep well near a water source, such as a river or lake. To do this, identify a sandy or gravelly area a few feet from the water’s edge and dig a hole several inches deep.
Allow time for the water to collect in the hole and settle; the sand and soil help to filter out impurities.
Though seep wells can naturally improve water quality, it'sstill a good idea to further purify the collected water by boiling it if possible.
This basic skill can be incredibly useful when other tools aren’t available and can make all the difference in maintaining your health while camping.
Food & Foraging Skills
While we can survive longer without food than water (up to multiple weeks), it's not a good idea to count on that. Instead, you need to know how to source food in the wild if you don't have your own provisions.
7. Learn Basic Foraging Skills
Foraging for wild food in the UK can be a great experience, but you need to be careful and knowledgeable to do it safely.
The UK countryside offers many edible plants, fruits, and nuts, such as blackberries, wild garlic, nettles, and hazelnuts. When you're starting out, pick plants you can easily identify. Make sure they're from clean areas, away from roads or polluted water.
Before eating anything you forage, do your homework. Use trusted guidebooks about British plants or go to workshops led by experts. Knowing what’s safe to eat is essential.
Lastly, forage responsibly. Follow the Countryside Code, take only what you need, and leave plenty for nature and others.
A crucial warning: avoid picking mushrooms unless you are an expert at identification. Many wild mushrooms look like edible ones but are poisonous and can even be deadly. Eating the wrong fungi can be fatal; don't risk it.
8. Master Trapping & Snaring Prey
Trapping and snaring small animals is a useful survival skill. But you need to do it carefully, ethically, and respectfully.
Before you start,always check local laws and regulations. Some areas protect certain species or ban trapping entirely. Breaking these rules can harm wildlife and lead to legal trouble.
When you set traps, look for animal signs like trails or burrows. Use humane methods that catch animals quickly to reduce suffering.
Check your traps often so animals aren't stressed or injured for long. Only trap what you need; never trap for fun or waste what you catch.
Alternatively, if you're not sure of your foraging or hunting skills, stocking up on a few expedition meals for your trip is a great way to let you practice your skills without the pressure of going hungry if you fail.
Woodcraft & Navigation Skills
Woodcraft and navigation are some of the most popular survival skills people learn, from whittling tools to learning to navigate with the landscape.
Here are a couple of the skills you need for wilderness adventures.
9. Hone Your Knife & Axe Skills
For survivalists, mastering knife and axe skills is essential. These tools are vital for many wilderness tasks.
A camping knife is crucial for carving, food prep, and shelter building.
An axe is invaluable for chopping wood, felling trees, and constructing larger structures.
Being skilled with these tools not only makes you more efficient but also safer, reducing the risk of accidents from improper use.
From splitting firewood to crafting gear, these skills are fundamental for self-reliance in any outdoor survival situation.
10. Understand Basic Navigation Techniques
Understanding basic navigation techniques is essential, even if you intend to rely on GPS tools.
Electronic devices can fail due to dead batteries, technical malfunctions, or poor signal reception in remote areas, leaving you vulnerable without alternative methods.
By mastering traditional navigation skills, you build a reliable foundation for finding your way.
Observing natural features like the position of the sun, stars, and landmarks to orient yourself.
Using the direction of riversto orient yourself.
These time-tested techniques ensure you maintain confidence and safety, even when technology is unavailable.
The Essential Bushcraft Gear For Your Adventures
Of course, it's not just about the skills you have; you also need the right tools to help you survive in the wilderness. Here are our top recommendations for bushcraft tools and gear.
A good bushcraft knife is a must-have for any survivalist, offering a range of uses in the wilderness. It can help with carving wood for shelter or tools, slicing food, or preparing tinder for a fire.
A reliable knife can make all the difference between thriving and struggling in the wild.
For example,the Buck Bantam BBW Knife is lightweight yet durable, perfect for tasks like cutting rope or preparing food.
TheKombat UK Elite Gator Lock Knife stands out with its sturdy materials and secure locking mechanism, providing safety and efficiency for tougher jobs.
These knives combine practicality and reliability, ensuring you're ready for any challenges nature throws your way.
When venturing into the wild,a larger axe or saw becomes an invaluable survival tool. These tools are particularly useful for creating shelter, such as a debris hut, or crafting hunting tools from sturdy wood.
Their ability toefficiently cut through branches, logs, or dense materials makes them essential for building and survival tasks. Whether you need precise cuts or the strength to break down larger wood pieces, an axe or saw gets the job done with ease.
For those in need of a reliable option, the Whitby Outdoor Survival Axe combines durability with versatility, making it perfect for chopping tasks in rugged environments.
Alternatively,the Kombat UK Wire Saw offers a compact, lightweight solution for cutting branches or other materials when portability is key.
For more heavy-duty needs,the Robens Dixie Axe delivers precision and strength, ideal for both shelter building and splitting wood.
Each of these tools is designed to meet the demands of outdoor survival, ensuring you’re always prepared for the challenges of wilderness living.
Fire provides warmth, light, and the means to cook food, purify water, and signal for help. Without an effective fire-starting tool, even the most experienced individuals can struggle in harsh or damp conditions.
For eco-friendly and efficient fire-starting,Flamers Natural Firelighters provide a sustainable option made from natural materials.
Alternatively,the Petromax Fire Kit combines functionality and simplicity, giving you all the tools needed to start a fire in various conditions.
Having one or a combination of these tools ensures you stay prepared and safe when it matters most.
General Survival Tips To Keep You Safe
That's specific bushcraft survival skills covered, now here are some general survival tips to help you stay safe while you're adventuring in the wilderness in the UK and beyond.
Take a Wilderness Bushcraft Survival Course
A wilderness bushcraft survival courseequips you with essential skills like building shelters, starting fires, and sourcing food and water. It enhances your confidence, preparedness, and adaptability, ensuring your safety in the wild.
Such courses are invaluable for both beginners and seasoned adventurers exploring the unpredictable outdoors.
Invest In Your Survival Kit Properly
A well-prepared survival kit is crucial for any wilderness adventure, providing essential tools to handle emergencies, stay safe, and remain comfortable in unpredictable conditions.
It ensures you'reequipped to deal with challenges like injuries, harsh weather, or navigation errors, giving you peace of mind and enhancing your overall experience.
Remember the STOP Acronym
STOP stands for Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan.
This acronym is vital in outdoor survival, helping adventurers stay calm and make rational decisions during emergencies.
By pausing to assess the situation, evaluating surroundings, and forming a clear plan, it reduces panic and improves the chances of a safe resolution.
Remember the Rule of Threes
The Rule of Threes highlights survival priorities:
You can survive three minutes without air
Three hours without shelter in extreme conditions
Three days without water
Three weeks without food
Ithelps adventurers focus on essential actions during emergencies, maximising survival chances by addressing the most immediate life-threatening needs first.
Always Keep Your Priorities Straight
Keeping your priorities straight in survival situations ensures efficient use of time and energy.
Securing shelter and fire protects you from exposure, water prevents dehydration, and food sustains long-term survival.
Addressing these needs in order of urgency maximises your chances of survivalby focusing on what’s most critical first.
Upgrade Your Survival Tools With Wood To Water
At Wood To Water, we are proud to stock a wide range of high-quality survival tools from trusted survival and outdoor brands.
Whether you need durable knives, fire-starting kits, water purification systems, or compact first aid gear, our selection is designed to help you stay safe and prepared for any adventure.
Our products are carefully curated to ensure reliability and performance when you need them most.
Browse our full range of survival tools online today and take advantage of free delivery on orders over £60, with same-day dispatch available.
Knowledge of navigation, building shelter, starting a fire, sourcing clean water, and basic first aid are essential outdoor skills.
These abilities ensure survival and safety, enabling you to handle emergencies and adapt to challenging outdoor environments effectively.
What Are the Basics of Bushcraft?
Bushcraft basics include:
Fire-making
Foraging
Crafting tools
Building shelters
Water purification
These foundational skills focus on thriving in the wilderness by utilising natural resources efficiently, ensuring survival and fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
When Will My Bushcraft Knife Be Delivered?
Your bushcraft knife will be dispatched the same day if ordered before 2pm, with delivery typically taking 1-2 business days.
Are Bushcraft Knives Legal in the UK?
Yes, bushcraft knives are legal in the UK, but they must be used responsibly and carried only for legitimate purposes like outdoor activities. It is illegal to carry a knife in public without a valid reason.
