Bushcraft

Bushcraft is the set of outdoor skills used to live or thrive in natural environments with minimal reliance on modern technology. It emphasizes knowledge of the landscape, seasonal resources, and the use of natural materials to build shelter, make fire, obtain water, procure food, navigate, and craft tools. Core activities include shelter construction from debris, bark, and green branches; firecraft using friction, spark, or ferro rods; water procurement and purification; and food gathering or preparation, from edible plants to trapping and hunting within legal and ethical limits. Navigation combines map and compass use with observation of terrain and natural signs. Bushcraft also covers toolcraft, such as making or repairing cutting implements and cordage, as well as signaling and first aid in remote settings.

Historically associated with outdoor education and traditional living in forested regions, the term gained broader popularity in the late 20th century as a modern, non-emergency alternative to survivalism. Practitioners often pursue bushcraft as a form of practical self-reliance, personal development, or stewardship of the land, rather than as a hobby focused on gear or rescue scenarios.

Training typically occurs through courses, workshops, and community treks organized by outdoor schools and clubs. Safety and environmental ethics are emphasized, including Leave No Trace principles, risk assessment, and respect for wildlife and indigenous territories. The practice overlaps with camping, route planning, and wilderness medicine but remains distinct in its emphasis on using natural resources rather than depending on equipment.