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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

Whether you are a weekend camper, a bushcraft enthusiast, or someone passionate about prepping, mastering a few essential skills can transform a stressful situation into an exciting challenge. Here are ten expert tips that every UK adventurer should know.

Navigating in the great outdoors can feel daunting at first, especially if you are new to camping, bushcraft, or hiking. While maps, compasses, and GPS devices are incredibly useful, knowing a few natural navigation tricks can boost your confidence and help you stay safe. At UKSN, we believe in teaching practical, family-friendly outdoor skills that anyone can use. Here are some of the best natural navigation techniques for beginners.

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.

When the leaves start to fall and the days shorten, the outdoors changes character. Autumn in the UK brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for bushcraft enthusiasts, wild campers, and families looking to spend time in nature. Crisp mornings, golden woodlands, and the smell of wood smoke in the air can make this one of the most rewarding times to be outside, but the season also demands that we sharpen some essential skills. Fire lighting, building a reliable shelt

In today’s modern world, it’s easy to overlook the simple skills that sustained humans for millennia. Making your own cordage from natural materials is one of those foundational skills that can enhance your outdoor adventures, camping trips, bushcraft practices, and self-sufficiency projects.

Survival is a fascinating topic that has captured the imagination of millions. From gripping dramas on television to blockbuster films, stories of people overcoming extreme conditions and mastering the wilderness are everywhere. However, these portrayals often paint a picture that is far from reality. Whether it is the quick mastery of complex bushcraft skills or lone heroes triumphing against all odds, Hollywood and TV shows sometimes get survival badly wrong.

Few things ruin an otherwise perfect bushcraft outing or UKSN camp faster than relentless midges, mosquitoes or creepy crawlies. For our outdoor-loving community, including families, prepping enthusiasts and self-sufficiency aficionados, learning how to keep bugs at bay is essential. In this guide, we have gathered tried-and-tested, natural methods to repel insects and relieve bites without resorting to any potentially harmful chemicals.

Survive the Sizzle: Clever Ways to Stay Cool in a UK Heatwave