Woodcraft for Wellbeing - Bushcraft Fire Skills

The workshop is designed to support the wellbeing of adults by connecting them with nature and giving them the opportunity to learn a new skill or craft. This session will be focusing on fire lighting, learning how to collect suitable materials, practising using a fire striker to light a fire with different tinders and learning to use a kelly kettle. 

The workshop is open to everyone, including people who feel they are in a good place at the moment. Everyone is welcome to come and benefit from some time in nature learning something new and will take away skills that will help them through life.

A fire striker can be used to start a fire with a tinder, such as cotton wool.

We will start by taking a wonder through the wonderful ancient woodland at Hazel Hill Wood to look for suitable firewood and tinders that can be used to get a fire going. After a hot drink, we will have time practising using fire strikers and learning about different tinders. We will then get a campfire lit to toast ourselves a snack and learn how to use a kelly kettle to boil water.

Lighting a kelly kettle to boil water

We offer a welcoming, non-judgmental, supportive, neuro-affirming environment. The activity will be combined with exploring a wellbeing strategy, such as a breathing or relaxation exercise. Hot drinks and toasted tea cakes will be provided. No previous experience is necessary. All activities are optional, so if on the day you'd rather be chilling in a hammock than doing the planned activity, that's ok!

"Thank you for an enjoyable morning and a great way to start the day being surrounded by nature."

"Polly is such a lovely lady and made the whole session very enjoyable... I would highly recommend this session."

If the weather is wet, the workshop will take place in the shelter of a roundhouse in the woods (pictured above).

Cost:

Standard ticket: £32
Supporter ticket: £42 (for those who are happy to pay a little more to subsidise a place for those who can’t afford to pay the standard price)**
Discounted ticket: £16 (for those who paying the full cost would currently prevent them from attending)

**The idea behind 'pay it forward' systems like this is to do acts of kindness which will have a positive effect on others, and in return the recipients are just asked to pass on the good deed to keep the cycle going.

What to bring:

• If you've got a favourite drink or a preferred sense-safe snack, do bring it along. 
• Wellies or walking boots are the best footwear. Trainers are ok after periods of dry weather.
• Please come dressed in warm layers prepared to be outside for the whole session. 
• Bring hats and gloves.
• Bring waterproofs if rain is forecast.

Location:

Hazel Hill Wood, Hazel Hill Wood, Grimstead Road, near Farley, Salisbury, SP5 1AU.
What3words: ///names.strict.mountains

Toilet

To save water, we use this composting toilet. 

Weather Policy
We have a roundhouse and tarpaulins for shelter from the rain and use of an indoor classroom if the weather is very poor. For safety reasons, sessions will not take place during strong winds and participants will be given 24 hours notice if a session needs to be cancelled/rescheduled.

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel with over 10 days notice, we'll offer you a refund minus a £5 admin fee. No refunds are offered with less than 10 days notice of the session. If we need to cancel a session, we will offer a replacement session at a later date, or a refund for that session if it’s not possible to reschedule.

Can I bring my dog? 
Assistance dogs only are allowed at Hazel Hill Wood.

If you have any questions, please contact Polly - creativesticks@outlook.com