UKSN Bushcraft Basics: Wilderness Cooking Tips *Updated*

There’s something undeniably special about the crackle of a campfire, the smell of food cooking in the open air, and the sense of connection that comes from sharing a meal under the stars. For members of UKSN, wilderness cooking isn’t just about filling your belly—it’s an essential bushcraft skill that brings both comfort and confidence during outdoor adventures.

Whether you're heading off on a solo wild camp, joining a UKSN Charter meet-up, or taking the family on a weekend of self-sufficient living, mastering the art of outdoor cooking can elevate your entire experience. From fire building to foraging, here’s your comprehensive guide to wilderness cooking—UKSN style.

Campfire Cooking: Mastering the Flames

At the heart of many outdoor cooking setups is the classic campfire—reliable, versatile, and deeply rooted in bushcraft tradition. But cooking over open flames isn’t as simple as tossing food on a stick. Done right, it’s an art form that rewards patience and practice.

Tips for Successful Campfire Cooking:

• Build Smart: Use the teepee or log cabin fire lay for even heat distribution. Always clear a safe area and use a firepit or ring where possible.

• Fire Management: Flames are flashy, but embers are your best friend for cooking. Let your fire burn down to coals for consistent heat.

• Adjustable Cooking Heights: Use a tripod, swing-arm grill, or rock-based supports to adjust your cooking gear’s height. Controlling distance helps regulate heat without fiddling with the fire.

Pro Tip: For beginners, try preparing foil-wrapped meals. Meat, spuds, and root vegetables cook beautifully in a foil parcel nestled in hot embers.

Dutch Oven Delights

No bushcraft kit is complete without a Dutch oven. This cast iron beauty is the workhorse of wilderness cuisine, ideal for cooking hearty meals when you're in one spot for a while—like during a UKSN camp or basecamp setup.

Why the Dutch Oven is Essential:

• Versatility: Bake bread, stew venison, roast a chicken, or even whip up a crumble with foraged berries.

• Heat Control: Manage temperatures by adjusting the number of coals placed underneath and on the lid. Think of it as your wild oven thermostat.

• Retains Heat: Cast iron distributes heat evenly and holds it—perfect for cold evenings.

Pro Tip: Pre-season your Dutch oven at home and store it in a breathable bag. A well-cared-for pot can last generations.

One-Pot Wonders: Cook Simply, Eat Well

When you’re on the move or prefer to travel light, one-pot meals are your go-to. They save time, reduce cleanup, and maximise nutrition.

Easy One-Pot Meal Ideas:

• Campfire Stew: A mix of lentils, root veg, garlic, and stock simmered for an hour—filling and warm.

• Chilli & Rice: Brown mince or beans with onions and spices, then add chopped tomatoes and cook with rice in one pan.

• Foraged Risotto: Wild garlic, mushrooms, and nettle tips folded into arborio rice. Add grated hard cheese (Parmesan stores well) for a creamy finish.

One-pot cooking allows for creativity and encourages resourcefulness—both key skills in bushcraft and prepping.

Foraging & Wild Edibles: Nature’s Larder

Why carry everything when nature provides? UKSN encourages responsible foraging as part of a well-rounded outdoor skillset.

Safe Foraging Guidelines:

• Learn First: Use a field guide or attend foraging workshops before harvesting any plant or fungi.

• Harvest Sustainably: Take only what you need and leave enough for wildlife and regrowth.

• Know the Law: You can forage for personal use, but not for commercial gain. Avoid protected species and respect private land.

Top Wild Edibles in the UK:

• Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum): Found in damp woodland during spring—great in soups, pestos, or as a garnish.

• Nettles: Young tops are iron-rich and perfect for tea, soups, and stews. Always wear gloves!

• Blackberries & Elderberries: Make brilliant additions to desserts or sauces.

• Chickweed, Sorrel, and Dandelion: Salad leaves with a peppery twist.

Pro Tip: Keep a separate, breathable bag or basket for foraged goods. Always wash wild edibles before use.

Campfire Cooking Essentials

Having the right tools on hand makes outdoor cooking safer and more enjoyable. Here’s what every UKSN adventurer should pack in their bushcraft kitchen kit:

• Bushcraft Knife: Your most versatile tool—for prepping food, trimming firewood, or crafting skewers.

• Cutting Board: A small wooden board doubles as a plate or serving tray.

• Tongs & Spatula: Avoid burns and maintain control over hot food.

• Pot Lifter: Essential for handling hot pots over flames or coals.

• Fireproof Gloves: A must for moving equipment around a live fire.

• Dutch Oven, Mess Tin, or Billy Can: Great for boiling water, cooking, or even baking.

Leave No Trace: Cook with Respect

At UKSN, we care deeply about the land we roam. Cooking outdoors should never come at the expense of the environment.

Leave No Trace Cooking Principles:

• Use Established Firepits where possible. If none exist, keep fires small and use a firebox.

• Never Leave Fires Unattended: Fully extinguish your fire with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until cool.

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all rubbish. Scatter cold ashes and wash up 60m away from water sources.

• Minimise Use of Foil and Plastic: Opt for reusable containers and natural materials.

Pro Tip: Bring a reusable silicone scrubber and biodegradable soap to clean your gear without harming nature.

Cooking as a Community: Share the Experience

Some of the best meals you’ll have outdoors aren’t just about the food—they’re about the people you share them with. At UKSN events, members often gather around communal fires, swap stories, and share dishes. Cooking becomes a way to connect, teach, and inspire.

We encourage every Charter to include communal cooking as part of meetups. It’s a great way to teach kids about bushcraft, share recipe ideas, and build the kind of camaraderie that UKSN is all about.

Join the Conversation

Got a secret recipe for campfire bannock? A foraging success story or a meal that went hilariously wrong? We’d love to hear from you! Let’s build a library of knowledge, laughter, and learning—one campfire meal at a time.

Final Thoughts

Wilderness cooking is more than a survival skill—it’s a way to nourish body and soul. Whether you're baking fresh bread in a Dutch oven, foraging for wild garlic, or just enjoying a warm cuppa after a long hike, each meal outdoors adds to the memory of the adventure.

Through practice, patience, and a little preparation, anyone can become a confident outdoor cook. At UKSN, we believe these skills connect us to the land, to each other, and to the timeless rhythm of nature.

So pack your kit, prep your ingredients, and embrace the joy of cooking in the wild.