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Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, navigating your local town, or travelling further afield, staying aware of your surroundings is an essential skill. It’s not about fear or paranoia; it’s about giving yourself the best chance to react quickly and safely if a situation arises. At UKSN, we believe situational awareness is a practical, everyday skill that everyone can develop, whether you’re exploring the countryside, walking home from work, or planning a camping trip

From communication and entertainment to banking and shopping, the internet plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of daily life.

Over the past week, headlines have warned of “disease-carrying mosquitoes” being found in the UK. While it’s true that two species of concern have been detected, it’s important we put this into context rather than fuel unnecessary panic.

Power cuts are a common but often underestimated disruption in the UK. Whether caused by storms, technical failures, or unexpected surges, losing electricity can impact everything from cooking and heating, to communication and home security. Preparing ahead of time ensures you and your family stay safe, comfortable, and informed.

When you head out into the 'wild' for a weekend of camping, bushcraft, or self-sufficiency practice, your first thought is usually about where to pitch the tent. Flat ground? Check. Away from water that might flood? Check. Sheltered from the wind? Perfect. But there’s one silent danger many campers overlook, and it could be hanging directly above your head.

On Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm, every compatible mobile phone and tablet in the UK will sound a loud siren-like alarm and display a message as part of a national test of the Emergency Alerts system.

At its core, Meshtastic is a long-range, off-grid messaging platform. It uses small, portable devices called LoRa (Long Range) radios to create a mesh network. Each device in the network can send and receive messages, acting as both a sender and a relay for other devices. This means messages can travel over miles, even in areas with no mobile signal, making it perfect for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness scenarios.

Whether you're checking emails on public Wi-Fi at a service station, managing your allotment blog from your mobile, or using mapping tools while camping, a VPN can make a real difference. This blog article breaks down what a VPN is, why it matters, and how it can help UKSN members stay secure in an increasingly digital world.

When the signal bars vanish from your phone and nothing will load, it’s easy to feel cut off, especially if you're outdoors, travelling, or in unfamiliar territory. Mobile network outages can happen unexpectedly, and in today’s world, where our phones are more than just for calls, they're maps, emergency tools, and a link to loved ones. Losing access can be unsettling.