How To Find A Place To Practice Bushcraft In The UK

The biggest challenge for many outdoor enthusiasts is gaining access to land to practice and hone their skills. Think smart and act on your initiative to gain access to land. While you may not have quick access to private land, how you access this land will break down these obstacles and give you many opportunities. Head to Scotland for a more complete and legal wild camping experience.

To start your search, here are some ways to help you find bushcraft in the UK:

Laws Relating To Bushcraft

Bushcraft as a whole is unregulated in the United Kingdom. However, there are a slew of rules that apply to the activities that are commonly referred to as bushcraft, particularly with regards to fires, knives, foraging, fishing, trapping, access and camping. While this may appear harsh, it is important to determine which areas of bushcraft you’d want to master.

Access

There may be more options available to you than you realise. Those looking for a place to practise bushcrafting in the UK are likely to be concerned about access. Even in National Parks, the majority of land in the UK is privately owned or controlled by local governments. As a result, some people believe that permission from the proprietor is required before entering any land. This is true in many cases, notably in England and Wales. However, there are several exceptions. Several public footpaths and bridleways run throughout England and Wales and should not be overlooked. They provide access to breathtaking scenery and rare habitats.

Camping

Camping is a highly enlightening experience for the whole family that reconnects you to your natural roots. You must get permission from the landowner to camp in England and Wales. However, wild camping is permissible in many upland locations – mostly on open access land, but be prepared to leave if requested. 

For many people who wish to practice their skills in a natural setting, having access to a private piece of property is their holy grail. One thing should be evident right away – it is not always simple. Many landowners and agents will simply refuse. Camping is lawful in Scotland when there are no seasonal camping restrictions since access rights extend to camping. However, it is recommended that you stay on open ground to prevent interfering with farming activities. 

Plant Use

To uproot means to dig up or remove a specimen from the ground legally. Lichen, algae, and fungi are included in this definition. Unless they have informed the proper statutory authorities, even landowners can be penalised for removing or destroying species in these regions. 

Obtaining Land Owner’s Permission

Many estate owners consider their garden to be their property. How would you react if a complete stranger called, emailed, or knocked on your door and requested whether they may camp in your back garden or yard? 

Approach any landowner and ask to utilise their property with respect for their privacy. Just looking at a normal country layby will reveal a slew of irresponsible, anti-social jerks who either believe others will clean up after them or simply don’t care. Any self-respecting landowner understandably wishes to keep these types of people off their property.

Since the last ice age, some of our forefathers lived in woodlands and it may be worth considering who worked in your forest 12,000 years ago. Learn how they would have made tools and implements by working with flint, making objects from clay, making bone implements, and crafting wooden handles. In a world that moves too quickly and is too stressful, woodlands let us slow down and reconnect with nature. This, in turn, contributes to overall well-being.