very, very new to bushcraft

[Nichola]

Hi everyone. My husband and i are very new to bushcraft and are looking to find some good forests in which to camp out. We live in the north-west of England, and so far we've camped in a pine forest for a weekend which was cool!!! I've tried to contact the forestry commission about setting up camp-fires whilst we're out but they haven't replied to any of my e-mails. Could anyone recommend anywhere to go and the rules and regs of camping in the forest (setting up fires etc). Would be very grateful for any info. Thanks, Nichola

 

[SOAR]

elcome to the site. Delamere is a good place, why not come along to the next meet you both would be more than welcome.

 

[SOAR]

Sorry welcome.

 

[sxmolloy]

Hi Nichola. Where abouts in the NW are you? Keep an eye out for the NW meet-ups on here, always a good place to learn new skills.

ATB....Stu

 

[Greg]

Welcome to BCUK Nicola, enjoy the site.

 

[ArkAngel]

If i remember correctly, you need permission to light a fire anywhere in the country.

If the forestry commission are not replying, try having a shufftie at local estates and landowners (farmers etc) that have wooded area's as part of their land.

If you show you are responsible outdoor's people and "leave no trace" there shouldn't be a problem, and you may end up with permission to go to all sorts of places.

Of course the problem is getting the foot in the door so to speak.

Welcome to the site by the way, just get stuck in and remember.....

....there is no such thing as a silly question......

....but on here you may get some VERY silly answers

 

[Matt Weir]

Hi Nic,

Welcome to yourself and hubby. You should come to the next NW meet (the next Deli meet may a working meet at the end of the month) and there you will be in very good company.

 

[Pablo]

Nichola,

The Forestry Commission are notorious in my opinion for not getting back to you. Just keep trying and try to get a phone number for the local supervisor and contact him/her by phone. Keep trying.

They appear to relax rules for Scout and cub groups, but aren't to keen on individuals. I would offer to keep an eye on the area and report back any incidents (most FC areas have problems with substance abusers). As for fires - if open fires are a no no, ask about a fire bowl or similar.

Pablo.

 

[Nichola]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. Somebody asked where abouts in the north-west we are. We live in Preston. I'll definatly keep on at the forestry commission, and hopefully will see you all at the next meeting. Thanks again, Nichola

 

[sxmolloy]

Somebody asked where abouts in the north-west we are. We live in Preston.

That was me. Well, well I'm a Prestonian (Ashton area) too, fancy that, hopefully I will be able to make the next meet, so maybe see you there.

ATB....Stu

 

[RobertRogers]

You can practice bushcraft wherever you are, even in a city park there are always plants and animals you can observe

 

[Andy B]

Welcome to the site,

Hope you enjoy your learning experience which will go on forever!

Cheers

Andy

 

[scanker]

Welcome to the site. I'm originally from South of the Ribble myself.

 

[Anthony Micallef]

Nichola, I live in the North West as well, near Burnley. So whereabouts are the NW meetings?

 

[Nichola]

Hi Anthony, i'm not sure where the NW meets are. I think they are posted regularly on this site, although if i'm wrong I'm sure these guys will be able to tell you. I'm suprised that so many people that live near me are interested in bushcraft. Whenever i mention it to people they pull their faces like they're chewing a wasp or something! I live in Penwortham (south ribble). Thanks again for all the replies to my question. I've checked out Delamere forest and Glyn Y Mul Farm, and am planning to visit them both very soon.

 

[thingswelike]

Some of the NW meets are at Delamere Forest (or at least a scout camp on the outskirts) half way between Manchester and Chester.
It was our first time last time and we loved it.
There's also talk of a winter meet at a scout camp just off the M60/M62 junction.
Hopefully see you there soon!

 

[woodstock]

Hi a friend of mine asked the same question a good few years ago when we wanted to go camping to the east of Lothian and was told point blank its private land and the only people to camp or light fires on any forestry commission land are either employed by or work for the F/C and there was no ifs or buts just a plain NO nice people . not

 

[Wayland]

Have you tried talking to Penwortham Environmental Education Centre, they may have some ideas of places to camp or people to contact.

 

[Nichola]

Thanks Wayland. I haven't, but i will!
Nichola