Finding mushrooms and other fungi during an autumn walk can be fascinating, but discovering them does not automatically mean you can pick them. Rules vary according to where you are, who owns the land and which species you encounter. Some fungi are protected, and even…
The clove hitch is a useful knot for attaching a rope to a post, pole or other suitable object. It is quick to tie and easy to adjust, which makes it handy for everyday outdoor tasks such as starting a lashing or temporarily positioning a…
Wet grass can be surprisingly slippery, even on hills that look easy to walk across in dry weather. A slope that seems manageable from a distance may become difficult when your boots lose grip or the ground beneath the grass is soft. This challenge helps…
The ground can draw heat away from your body surprisingly quickly, even when the air temperature does not feel particularly cold. A thick layer of dry leaves can help trap air beneath you, creating insulation between your body and the ground. In this challenge, you…
Wet clothing can make you cold and uncomfortable outdoors, particularly when the weather is windy or temperatures drop. A campfire may help dry damp clothing, but placing garments too close to the heat can scorch fabric, melt synthetic fibres or start a fire. This challenge…
A signal mirror can help you attract attention over a considerable distance when sunlight is available. Purpose-made signalling mirrors are best, but you can explore the basic principle with a small reflective surface and practise directing a flash of light towards a chosen target. Your…
Being able to throw a rescue line accurately could make a real difference in an emergency occurring near water. This challenge gives you the chance to practise your aim, learn how to handle a throw line and understand why helping from the shore is generally…
A good campsite should look as though you were never there. Whether you’ve spent a few hours practising outdoor skills or a night under canvas, leaving the area clean and undamaged is part of being responsible outdoors. For this challenge, you’ll inspect your camp, remove…
When you spend time outdoors, you may meet a landowner, farmer or land manager who asks you to leave an area. It can feel awkward, particularly if you believe you are following a public route, but arguing on the spot rarely helps. The important thing…
Some countryside routes include short stretches of road where there is no pavement or verge wide enough to walk on. These sections can be uncomfortable, especially when traffic approaches quickly or bends restrict visibility. Your challenge is to learn the correct precautions and practise assessing…
After a spell of strong autumn winds, woodland can look perfectly normal from the path while hiding dangerous damage overhead. A widow-maker is a term used for a dead or broken branch, or sometimes a damaged tree, that could fall without warning. Your challenge is…
Rosehips are the colourful fruits that develop on wild rose bushes, often appearing in hedgerows towards the end of summer and through autumn. They can be used in cooked foods, but preparing them properly matters because the fine hairs around the seeds can irritate the…
