What to Expect From Your First BushMoot

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and booking your first BushMoot, or it’s too late, someone’s bought a ticket for you(- eek!), we can’t wait to see you here!

Camping

We see campers of all kinds from under-the-stars veterans, to first timers who have the full brand-spanking-new kit and kaboodle ready to go. Our designated camping area includes a few grassy spots, as well as the woodland.

One of the great things about BushMoot is the benefit of the community – ask about the cool set-ups and bits of kit you see, grab a bargain at the bring-and-buy from someone else’s downsizing or upgrading, and pop over to a workshop teaching you the knot you couldn’t quite remember last night when you were setting up in the dark! 

Skill-Sharing Workshops

BushMoot offers a variety of skill-sharing workshops throughout the core event. There might be something you’ve never even heard of that becomes a new passion, or maybe you have something specific in mind.

Workshops cover classic bushcraft topics from fire-lighting and outdoor cooking, navigation, metal or leather crafts, knife skills and maintenance to other skills enjoyed in the outdoors such as meditation, crafts, and group walks. You can choose the workshops that interest you most, and the morning meetings (more about that soon!) are an opportunity to request something you’re desperate to try.

Some full-day or multi-day courses also take place during the Moot event, and are advertised in advance. These courses focus on more time consuming and specialised processes such as basketry or bow-making, and are available through the BushMoot website, and sit outside of the standard Moot workshops and talks.

Community Gathering

You can attend BushMoot as an individual, or as part of a couple, family, or group of friends. Everyone is free to get as stuck-in, or not, as suits you. For those looking to meet new friends and like-minded individuals it’s a really friendly and welcoming place to be.

During the Core Days of the Moot we hold a morning meeting at 10am. This is an opportunity for Tony and the Mods (who organise and run the event) to make any important notices, provide updates on workshops, and answer any burning questions. It’s a great opportunity to ask about a skill you’d really like to learn, and the team will try to facilitate this if time and resources allow.

Another highlight on the social calendar of the Moot is our Community Meal – in recent years the structure of the meal has changed around several factors, but whether it’s taken the shape of a pot-luck, bring your own dinner to sit together, option to purchase food from a Mod chef, or anything in-between, the night is always one to remember with live music and plenty of laughter.

What to Bring

Your kit list should be adapted to what works best for you and yours, but here’s some basic pointers if you’re new to camping, the BushMoot, Rough Scout Close, or all of the above!

  • Your own camp set-up (tent or hammock, sleeping bag etc.)
  • Plan for self-catering (fire pit, stove etc.) 
  • Comfortable clothing for all weather conditions (really, it’s Britain!)
  • Hiking shoes or boots
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • If you bring any sharps you must bring a first aid kit
  • A refillable water bottle
  • A torch or headlamp
  • A sense of adventure!

Tips for a Great Experience

The Moot community is filled with old faces and new friends each year, and the best experience is the one that works for you:

  • Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  • Take some time to relax and enjoy the outdoors

We hope this guide helps you prepare for your first Moot event. We can’t wait to see you there!