LATEST OUTDOOR GUIDES
Keep up to date with the latest guides, activities and resources from Pure Bushcraft. Explore new articles covering outdoor skills, survival, Scout activities, camping, navigation, knots, fire safety and practical skills.
Our latest posts are designed to help Scouts, youth groups, leaders and anyone interested in outdoor learning develop practical knowledge and confidence. From new activity ideas and survival skills to useful how-to guides, check back regularly for the latest resources.
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Animal Tracks for Scouts: How to Identify Wildlife Footprints
You don’t always need to see an animal to know that it has been there. A footprint in mud, a trail through grass or marks in snow can reveal clues about wildlife nearby. Learning to recognise animal tracks is a great Scout skill because it encourages observation, patience and careful exploration. Animal tracking doesn’t mean…
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Plants for Scouts: A Practical Guide to Exploring UK Plant Life
Plants are one of the easiest ways for Scouts to start exploring the natural world. They are found almost everywhere — in woodland, fields, hedgerows, parks, gardens, heathland and even cracks in pavements. Learning to notice and identify them can turn an ordinary walk into a much more interesting outdoor adventure. You don’t need to…
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UK Trees for Scouts: A Practical Guide to Tree Identification
Knowing how to recognise common UK trees is a useful outdoor skill for Scouts. Trees provide shelter, shade, wildlife habitat and materials for many outdoor activities. Learning to identify them also helps Scouts become more observant and understand the environment around them. You don’t need to know every species to get started. Learning a handful…
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Footwear for Scouts: Choosing and Caring for Outdoor Footwear
Good footwear is one of the most important pieces of equipment a Scout can have outdoors. Whether you’re walking across a muddy campsite, hiking through woodland, exploring countryside or spending a day outdoors, the right footwear can make the activity much more comfortable. Poorly chosen footwear can cause blisters, discomfort, wet feet and tiredness. In…
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How to Pack Efficiently for Hikes
Packing for a hike is an important outdoor skill. A well-packed rucksack is easier to carry, easier to organise and much less frustrating when you need something along the way. For Scouts, learning how to pack efficiently is also a useful lesson in preparation and decision-making. You need to think about what you actually need,…
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Knives and Tool Safety for Scouts
Learning to use outdoor tools can be an important part of developing practical Scout skills. Knives, saws and other hand tools can help Scouts learn about woodcraft, campcraft, shelter building and practical problem-solving. They also introduce risks that need to be taken seriously. Good tool safety isn’t about being afraid of tools. It is about…
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Equipment Maintenance for Scouts: Keeping Outdoor Gear Ready to Use
Good equipment can last for years if it is looked after properly. For Scouts, learning how to maintain camping and outdoor equipment is an important practical skill. Looking after a tent, cleaning a cooking stove, checking a compass or drying a sleeping bag may not seem as exciting as using the equipment, but it is…
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Choosing Equipment for Survival Skills and Outdoor Activities
Choosing the right equipment can make outdoor activities easier, safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re preparing for camping, learning survival skills, heading into the countryside or building an outdoor skills kit, it can be tempting to buy lots of specialist equipment. In reality, good equipment selection is less about having the biggest collection and more…
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Family Outdoor Challenges: Fun Activities for Parents and Children
Family challenges are a great way to turn an ordinary afternoon into a small adventure. You don’t need specialist equipment, expensive days out or a complicated plan. A local park, garden, woodland, beach or walking route can provide everything you need for a simple challenge that gets the whole family involved. The best family challenges…
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Safe Practice for Children Taking Part in Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities can give children some of their most memorable experiences. Camping, walking, exploring, building shelters, learning practical skills and spending time outside all provide opportunities to develop confidence and independence. For parents, however, it is natural to wonder how to keep children safe while still allowing them to enjoy those experiences. Safe practice doesn’t…
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