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Bushcraft

On Tuesdays we run small group bushcraft sessions at Treacle valley in Daccombe. We use a small area of woodland to develop resilience, resourcefulness and teamwork, typically in small groups of 2-4 young people. As well as learning outdoor skills such as firelighting, carving and tracking, our students contribute towards the conservation of the site and help with wildlife surveys, making nestboxes and planting trees. Young people develop a sense of ownership of the woods and quickly understand how much fun it can be to be working towards a common goal with other people.


  • Loo With a View!
    We’ve got a new toilet at Treacle Valley, some photos of the build process are here and you can also find out how our ‘loo with a view’ is helping families in Nepal.
  • The Benefits of Crafting: A Therapeutic and Rewarding Experience
    Crafting is something we do lots of at Taleblazers. It is a form of self-expression that allows people to create beautiful and useful objects and is more than just a fun hobby. It has also been shown to have a number of benefits for mental and physical health.
  • Earthworks – November
    Despite some very heavy rain overnight we had an amazing turnout for Earthworks, with about 15 people attending! This took us a bit by surprise as we thought the woods would be far too soggy for most families, but our crew are a hardy lot and soon there was tea being brewed and work being done.
  • Survival Skills: Making a Quick Stick Bow
    Archery, an ancient art and sport, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. There is definitely something uniquely fulfilling about crafting your own bow and arrow, even if it’s just for play! Emily demonstrates her process in a short video.
  • 5 Bushcraft Activities We Love Doing with Young People
    Nature has a remarkable way of bringing a sense of wonder and curiosity to learning. From building shelters to outdoor cooking, these hands-on experiences not only teach valuable outdoor skills but also cultivate a profound appreciation for the outdoors.
  • Our latest addition to our Bushcraft area…
    You’ve been on a walk in the woods — but have you had one quite like this before?
  • Let’s make a kazoo!
    With their knife, a saw, some coppiced Hazel, and a blade of grass, our bushcraft students set off on a quest to make music!
  • The Benefits of Bushcraft in a Modern World
    We spend a lot of time in the woods teaching young people about bushcraft and our relationships with the natural world. Alice explains why these activities are still relevant in the digital age.
  • Making a Pot Holder