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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What Is Tinder? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Tinder is designed to catch fire easily, which also means it can ignite very quickly and unexpectedly. Only practise fire lighting where fires are permitted and under appropriate supervision. Keep flammable materials away from unintended sources of ignition and always have a safe way to extinguish a fire. Never collect or burn…
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What Is a Fire Lay? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Fire can be useful outdoors, but it can also cause serious burns, wildfires and environmental damage. Only light fires where they are permitted and where it is safe to do so. Follow local rules, campsite instructions and any fire restrictions. Keep fires small and controlled, have suitable means of extinguishing them available,…
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What Is a Bearing? A Simple Guide to Navigation Bearings
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A compass bearing is a useful navigation tool, but a bearing on its own doesn’t tell you exactly where you are. When navigating outdoors, use a suitable map and compass together, consider the terrain and weather, and regularly check that your route still makes sense. Don’t deliberately practise navigation by getting lost.…
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What Is Natural Navigation? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Natural navigation can be useful, but it shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for a map, compass, GPS or other appropriate navigation equipment. Natural signs can be difficult to interpret and weather, season, location and local conditions can all affect them. When heading outdoors, especially into unfamiliar or remote areas, carry suitable…
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What Is Survival? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Survival skills are designed to help you manage unexpected situations, not encourage unnecessary risk. The best survival strategy is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place through good planning, appropriate equipment and sensible decision-making. If you’re lost, injured or facing a genuine emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services as soon…
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What Is Bushcraft? A Simple Guide for Beginners
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Bushcraft involves real-world outdoor skills, including fire lighting, knife use, shelter building, cooking and working with natural materials. These activities can involve genuine risks. Learn skills progressively, use appropriate equipment, follow local rules and get suitable instruction or supervision where needed. Bushcraft is about understanding and respecting the outdoors — not taking…
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Explorers Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges, Awards and Moving On to Network
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Explorer Scouts are generally 14–18 years old, so the programme can involve significantly more independence, responsibility and challenging activities. However, greater independence does not mean ignoring safety procedures or appropriate supervision. Activities involving fire, knives, tools, water, climbing, camping, navigation, expeditions and survival skills should be properly planned and risk…
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Scouts Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Explorers
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Scouts are generally 10½–14 years old, so activities can become more challenging and young people can take on greater responsibility. However, greater independence does not mean removing appropriate adult supervision or safety procedures. Activities involving fire, knives, tools, water, climbing, cooking, camping, navigation and survival skills should be properly risk…
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Cubs Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Scouts
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Cubs are 8–10½ years old, so activities should always be suitable for their age, experience and individual needs. Activities involving fire, knives, tools, water, climbing, cooking, camping and outdoor exploration should be properly planned and supervised by appropriately responsible adults. Progression doesn’t mean removing supervision. It means gradually giving young…
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Beavers Progression: A Guide to Skills, Badges and Moving On to Beavers
⚠️ SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Beavers are 6–8 years old, so activities should be appropriate for their age, abilities and individual needs. Children should have suitable adult supervision for activities involving fire, cooking, water, tools, climbing, outdoor exploration and other potential hazards. Progression isn’t about making activities unnecessarily difficult. It’s about helping young people become…
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