Are children or parents with special needs, dietary requirements or allergies able to participate?

Yes. Please call or email to discuss the particular requirements and we will do everything we can to accommodate.

Are the courses just for boys?

No. Recent scientific studies indicate that the taste of a well toasted marshmallow and the satisfaction of building a camp fire appeal to girls every bit as much as they do to boys. Everybody's welcome at Big Hat Bushcamp (but parents must be supervised by a child at all times).

What age must participants be?

We run courses for all ages, young and old.

Groups and instructional technique are always tailored to suit the age of any young Bushfolk on the course.

For our Holiday Kids' Club the starting age is generally 7 (or nearly 7), but if you have a group of 5-6 year olds, we may be able to accommodate with a private holiday club.

For Family Bushcraft Weekends and private courses all ages are welcome, but parents will have to help children younger than 7.

Do I need previous experience?

No, but if you have done other such courses we'd love to hear about it when you book.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The courses train participants in how to beat bad weather and we have activities to suit most challenges the British climate can throw at us. If you wake up on the day of your course to find the ground blanketed in snow or all the neighbourhood pets lining up two by two, assume things are going ahead unless you hear from us.

Can I bring my own pen knife?

Parents, and with parents' consent, children, may bring suitable, sensible bushcraft knives or pen knives, but must show them to their instructor at the start of the course and only use them when instructors permit.

Do you run private parties on private land?

Occasionally we can come to you, if you have a suitable plot of woodland. Please call or email for further details.

Why are you called Big Hat Bushcamp?

Seemed like a good idea.

What should you wear?

Clothes suitable for the beautiful British weather, but nothing that wouldn't go well with a little dirt - robust clothes/ walking gear with long sleeves and trousers work best.

Sturdy footwear - walking boots are best, but trainers will do in better weather.

What do I bring?

• Small rucksack

• Water Resistant Jacket

• Extra warm layers, hat and gloves during colder periods

• Water bottle

• Personal medications

• Camera (optional)

What about if I’m camping? What’s the accommodation, and what do I bring?

If you're camping, we'll send you the overnight kit list by email.

The default (recommended) option is hammock camping under bashas (waterproof tarp shelters), but Whilst hammock camping is our preferred way to live in the woods, we recognise that suspended sleeping doesn’t work equally well for everyone or every situation. If you’re coming to us with small children or special accessibility requirements, or the forecast is for particularly wet and windy weather, you may prefer to rent one of our new large bell tents (5m wide x 3m tall). They can comfortably accommodate eight adults and are £150 each for however many nights you’re staying, or £100 if the kids are putting it up themselves (which is part of the fun). If you opt for a tent, ours or one of your own, we strongly recommend bringing a roll mat or air mattress, as well, to put some distance between yourself and the cold hard ground.

You’re also welcome to bring your own tents/ hammocks/ etc.