Bushcraft classes

Situated in one of the woodland areas of the Gardens, we are lucky enough to have our own special site for bushcraft and Forest School. Led by our qualified staff, sessions are fun, safe, and educational and suitable for any age group.

Bushcraft provides an opportunity to engage all pupils, especially the less academic and hard to reach, with physical tasks and practical life skills.

Session times

10am to 2.30pm
with a break for a picnic lunch in or near the Education Centre or at our woodland site around the fire.

Activities

As part of a class trip to the Gardens, we can offer a variety of bushcraft activities. Most groups like to do some basic fire lighting and simple cooking over the campfire, but also have time to play.

Please remember, it is the ethos of learning new skills through play and perseverance rather than the activities themselves which make our sessions special. Activities can be adapted to suit class needs and requirements, for example, by shortening activities to fit in up to 3 classes in a day.

Fire activities available September to May only.

Suggested programme of Bushcraft activities with description and learning objectives

Basic fire lighting

Use a fire striker safely to make sparks and then light a small fire. Develop an appreciation and respect for fire, as well as and an understanding of heat, ash, smoke and burning materials. This activity provides an opportunity for controlled risk taking which can develop self-confidence.

Campfire cooking

Cook a piece of apple (or other food by arrangement) over the fire using a natural skewer. Further develop an appreciation of the benefits and dangers of fire.

Den building and playing in the woods

Build a den or shelter using natural materials. Work collaboratively in a group to move sticks and branches safely.

If time, we can add in one or more activities. This works particularly well if you wish more than one class to attend on the same day.

  • Pond dip, meadow sweep or roll logs to explore a natural habitat,
  • Use natural materials to build a home for a garden animal
  • Art or dexterity activity like stick whittling with peelers, clay modelling using naturally dug clay or knot tying and mobile creating with string.

Please see our costs and suggested ratios and consider the higher level of risk when deciding your child and adult ratios. Fees includes two members of our team, materials, and equipment.

Suggested pre-visit activities
  • Discuss safety and clothing for the trip
  • Look at examples of different types of woodland habitat, what might we expect to see in the woods
Suggested post-visit activities
  • Create an estate agent’s “house details” based on the home/shelter made at the Gardens
  • Research animal tracks
  • Investigate a nearby hedgerow
Useful information
Before you book, make sure you've contacted us to ensure your date is available.

Make sure that you have seen the "Before you visit" section at the bottom of the school visit page.

Make a booking