Categories: Camping

A crafty idea for Father’s Day

Why not enjoy some real father-child bonding time by getting back to basics on a campsite course?

by James Warner Smith, 12th June 2014.

Everybody’s seen the flimsy cards, the
‘World’s Greatest Dad’ mugs, and the dodgy socks (everybody also
knows that it’s the thought that counts… right?). But with a toasty forecast
for the weekend ahead, this years Father’s Day could be the chance to really
enjoy a little father-child bonding time. What better way for Dad to show off
his manly credentials than dusting off that old copy of Book for Boys, digging out the binoculars and heading to the woods
for a day of wilderness survival.

Now we’re not promoting scratching around
for worms or springing an attack on unsuspecting squirrels (they’re far too
quick, you’ll never grab ‘em). Instead, there are plenty of well-equipped
campsites out there that can talk you through the basics and treat you to a day
of expertly guided bushcraft fun. So turn off your mobile, throw on some
clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and enjoy a day with the kids proving that
the old man’s still more than capable of taking on the world. The professionals will show you how and here’s where you’ll find them…

Gill Head Farm, Cumbria

Gill Head is a lovely working hill
farm that’s been run by the same family for generations. Ensconced
within the Lake District National Park, yet far removed from the tourist
hordes, this grassy camping meadow is the perfect getaway for a family break. Bushcraft
courses are run onsite by local firm Reach Beyond Adventure and those ‘who
don’t want to feel like they’re on a campsite’, as the owners put it, can ask
to pitch in the ‘hidden’ field, which comes with its own waterfall and steep,
wooded banks.

Big Hat Bushcamp, Surrey

Despite being less than a mile from
the M25, Big Hat Bushcamp is the real deal when it comes to survival camping. The
brainchild of former British Army captain and all-round action man, Ian
Brember, the site offers family-orientated woodland bush-craft courses in a
secluded lakeside spot. With an array of bespoke courses (ranging from three
hours to full weekends), Big Hat Bushcamp will invoke your inner Ray
Mears, with archery, orienteering, foraging, wilderness first-aid and much
more. Pitch your own tents, stay in the five berth tipi or use the
camp’s tarps and hammocks. But for an authentic castaway experience, there’s
nothing like camping beneath the shelter built by your own two hands!

Crafty Camping, Dorset

Hosted by welcoming woodsman
Guy Mallinson (of BBC’s Mastercrafts fame), this glamping Shangri-La is set in several acres of wondrous West Dorset woodland. Ok, so this
one may not be for the youngest of kids (it’s an adults only site), but the bigger kids will get just as much out of the amazing courses on offer. Optional woodcraft courses are available on site from two hour ‘have a go’ tasters, to a five day ‘make a chair from a tree’ workshop.

The Sustainability Centre, Hampshire

Set in 55 acres of woodland and natural chalk downs, this Earthworks Trust-run site offers a whole host of eco-conscious courses. Try your hand at herbal first aid, willow basket making, and permaculture – all taught in the grandiose surroundings of outdoor eco-classroom. There’s a choice of accommodation, from yurts and tipis to a comfy eco-lodge for those less hardy souls. Plus, the South Downs National Park is right on your doorstep.   

The Original Hut Company, East Sussex

This 200 acre Quarry Farm site is
bursting with wildlife, nestled amongst the fully-furnished woodland shepherd’s huts. There’s a summer forest school for your little pioneers – the kids can spot woodpeckers, deer and maybe even the odd badger if they’re lucky. Keep posted for news of the foraging courses run in
conjunction with the nearby Michelin Starred Curlew restaurant’s chief
sourcer, Fergus Drennan.

Cwm Tawel Yurts, South Wales

This blissfully tranquil campsite is
an entirely community-run venture founded to promote traditional rural
crafts and foraging. As co-op member Sasha tells; “We
originally began as a group of residents collecting fire wood together to see
us through the winter nights, volunteering to help local farmers to reinstate
lovely hedgerows for the local wildlife”. This social enterprise has
now blossomed the wonderful glampsite with comfortable Mongolian yurts.
The surrounding woodlands and Lynfi river are a veritable smorgasbord of
wild delicacies, such as rainbow trout, wild garlic and all manner of delicious
fungi. Source them out before cooking your foraged feast on the flames.

Not found what you’re looking for? Check out some more of our favourite campsites offering bushcraft courses.

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