The biggest issue is that it needs to be a secure site.....by that I mean that it is in some way 'closed' enough that children are safe to wander as though they were in their own gardens, 24/7.
That does rather mean exclusive use of the site, which isn't really a Scottish thing, iimmc.
There was a very short lived problem years ago at the Welsh Moot when a drunken local slipped into the company, and his behaviour became offensive to one of the girls....he was swiftly moved on, and if it had gone further then the police would have been called since technically it's a private site and he was trespassing.....we can't do that, we can only have him or his like removed if the police decide he's trouble.
A suitable 'bushcraft' site, with decent toilet and shower provision, potable water, etc., and on site parking (folks come with massive amounts of kit; a lot of it's comfort, but a lot of it is for workshops and show and tell, etc.,) and trees for hammock and parachute hanging as well as clear ground for tents/tipees. Fires, either on the ground (Merthyr Mawr is excellent for this, it's on sand) or if folks are told they must use fire pits or drums, or alter fires, that's fine, just so long as they know beforehand.
Since an event like this is a major thing, it needs to be insured, the site needs to be paid for, etc., first aid provisioned and so on, and organised, and that takes time and money. It needs to make enough from fees to pay for all of those, but not be so expensive that it discourages people coming.
So far, we haven't managed to sort it all out. The Bushcraft Show down south is a huge thing, but it's not a 'family' thing in the way our Moots are. They're quite commercial really.
That's not a criticism, it's great to have all the stall holders in one site, to see what's out there, to actually see the stock for many of the on line shops that we buy from, demos, etc., and there are thousands of people around.
The Moot is more in the hundreds, and one day for small traders (usually members here) and a daily 'shop' where things are sold with a small percentage going to the folks who do the work of organising it. The majority of people at the Moot will know of each other in some way. It's a social thing. It's a great learning opportunity, but it's mostly laid back learning
Think of it as a holiday among like minded people who do stuff
with the potential to soak up knowledge and information and make friendships; to chill out and enjoy the company more than to spend money, iimmc.
If you're up for it, then I'll happily ask the Boss to have a conversation with you and see where it goes
atb,
Mary
