What we're about

This group is for outdoorsy people and those looking for micro-adventures in the wild! We'll be running walks, foraging/bushcraft trips and wild camping in the South West up to a 3 hour distance from Bristol/Bath.
Perfect for people with a reasonable fitness level who want to get out and explore, meet like-minded people and learn some new skills along the way.

We also have a coffee company, Fireside Brew Co, so expect many campfire coffees on the journey! :-)

Upcoming events (3)

Summer Tree Identification Course. Forage & Bushcraft; Trees, Plants, and Fungi!

🔸 Date: Sunday 9th July.
🔸 Time: 09:00 start, finish around 1pm.
🔸 Level: Intermediate & Beginner.
🔸 Cost: £15 per person.

Get nerdy with me! Learn to identify common UK trees throughout the seasons, with some plants and fungi along the way.

This is a modular course which will run all year so you can get familiar with trees in winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

This is the summer edition, which will cover:

🌳Tree Identification

  • The main focus of this course is to ID common, widespread, native trees and shrubs.
  • We’ll look at key identifying features on trees - not just the leaves!
  • You’ll learn about the history and folklore of the trees, and their uses in bushcraft and wilderness survival.
  • We’ll talk about trees for food, medicine, cordage, fire, and their importance in the ecosystem.

🍄Plants & Fungi

  • We’ll also look at any seasonal plants and fungi we come across, although this is a secondary focus behind tree ID.
  • Note: if you’re interested in plants and fungi - we’ll be running lots of seasonal foraging meetups about those over the year!

Extra info
🔹 Payment: you can book your place through Meetup - please DM me when you’ve paid as I have to update the attendee list manually.

🔹 Parking: there is free parking available. Here’s a handy guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFaTH4iZgw64hmBH45ESbG_42_TTH3DU/view?usp=share_link

🔹 Please dress for the weather, and it’s often cooler in the woods so extra layers are a good idea.

🔹 A notepad is recommended - there will be lots of info!

🔹 T&Cs and Disclaimer: https://www.meetup.com/fireside-meetups/pages/32388653/Terms,_Conditions_and_Disclaimers/

🔹 We'll be taking photos and may do some filming too, so by signing up you're happy to be included in any shots.

🔹 YouTube channel for more foraging, bushcraft and adventures (please subscribe!): https://youtube.com/channel/UCtxeAxp2Ty5BxHHT93DEnrQ

Survival & Bushcraft Fundamentals Course: Learn to Survive & Thrive in the Wild!

Field725 Camping

£130.00

🔸 Dates: Friday 18th - Sunday 20th August.
🔸 Time: 09:00 start on the 18th. Finish around midday on the 20th.
🔸 Camping: An optional 2-night camping pitch per person is included (bring your own tent/kit) - see details below.
🔸 Level: Beginner - absolutely no previous experience needed.
🔸 Cost: £130 early-bird tickets available until end of May! Then £150 from June. Prices are per person - see what’s included below. Book through Meetup or our website: https://firesidebrew.co/collections/courses/products/course-survival-bushcraft-fundamentals

We're thrilled to announce this Survival and Bushcraft Fundamentals Course at a wonderful location near Frome in Somerset!

This is a structured but relaxed course focusing on core survival skills that are transferable wherever in the world you are. This is not military survival so you won't be skinning rabbits or 'roughing it'!

Camping space is available, but you don't need to stay on site if you don't want to - there's lots of places to stay nearby and in Frome, which is only a short drive away.

We’ll cover the foundational principles of survival and bushcraft, including:

🔥Fire

  • How to make a fire in any conditions using many different techniques, including from sparks and rubbing sticks together!
  • Finding and using different tinders and woods for many types of fires.
  • Fire siting, safety and extinguishing.

⛺Shelter

  • Understand the importance of shelter and where it fits into survival priorities.
  • Learn to make quick shelters using tarps and knots.

🥘Water & Food

  • How to find fresh water and make it safe to drink.
  • Forage for food and taste some wild ingredients that we’ll find.
  • Fire and feast! Cook on a campfire and tips and tricks to make delicious food outdoors.

🪓Bushcraft Skills

  • Knife and saw safety and techniques.
  • Withy and pot-hanger making.
  • Natural cordage and building a wild camp using available materials.
  • Spoon and cooking utensil making.

What’s included:
🔹 Expert training by Rich and the Fireside team.

🔹 You’ll be given a bushcraft knife and ferro rod (for sparks) which are yours to keep!

🔹 Wonderful woodland location, shelter and campfire at the excellent Field725 camping between Frome and Bruton.

🔹 Evening meals: we'll work as a group to make some delicious, nutritious vegan meals on the Friday and Saturday evenings so you'll learn some wild cookery along the way. You can make your own lunches and breakfasts, either on the fire or at the fully equiped campsite kitchen.

🔹 Tea & coffee: will be provided, and we'll also make some wild herbal teas from foraged plants. Coffee comes from my coffee business, Fireside Brew Co, so it will be delicious!

🔹 Camping pitch (2 nights): free grass pitches (bring your own tent) are included, or you can upgrade to one of the other accommodation options on site (contact the campsite to book). You can also camp in the woodland or try out some of the shelter skills you’ll learn!

🔹 Glamping facilities: hot showers, toilets, a kitchen area and beautiful views across rolling hills.

Extra info:
🔹 Payment: you can book your place through Meetup - please DM me when you’ve paid as I have to update the attendee list manually. You can also pay in full, or in installments, through our website:

🔹 Parking: there is free parking on site.

🔹 Please dress for the weather, and it’s often cooler in the woods so extra layers are a good idea.

🔹 Bring a mug and water bottle and we recommend a small rucksack to stow things in, but otherwise all equipment will be provided.

🔹 T&Cs and Disclaimer: https://www.meetup.com/fireside-meetups/pages/32388653/Terms,_Conditions_and_Disclaimers/

🔹 We'll be taking photos and may do some filming too, so by signing up you're happy to be included in any shots.

🔹 YouTube channel for more foraging, bushcraft and adventures (please subscribe!): https://youtube.com/channel/UCtxeAxp2Ty5BxHHT93DEnrQ

2
Autumn Tree Identification Course. Forage & Bushcraft; Trees, Plants, and Fungi!

🔸 Date: Sunday 17th September.
🔸 Time: 09:00 start, finish around 1pm.
🔸 Level: Intermediate & Beginner.
🔸 Cost: £15 per person.

Get nerdy with me! Learn to identify common UK trees throughout the seasons, with some plants and fungi along the way.

This is a modular course which will run all year so you can get familiar with trees in winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

This is the autumn edition, which will cover:

🌳Tree Identification

  • The main focus of this course is to ID common, widespread, native trees and shrubs.
  • We’ll look at key identifying features on trees - not just the leaves!
  • You’ll learn about the history and folklore of the trees, and their uses in bushcraft and wilderness survival.
  • We’ll talk about trees for food, medicine, cordage, fire, and their importance in the ecosystem.

🍄Plants & Fungi

  • We’ll also look at any seasonal plants and fungi we come across, although this is a secondary focus behind tree ID.
  • Note: if you’re interested in plants and fungi - we’ll be running lots of seasonal foraging meetups about those over the year!

Extra info
🔹 Payment: you can book your place through Meetup - please DM me when you’ve paid as I have to update the attendee list manually.

🔹 Parking: there is free parking available. Here’s a handy guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFaTH4iZgw64hmBH45ESbG_42_TTH3DU/view?usp=share_link

🔹 Please dress for the weather, and it’s often cooler in the woods so extra layers are a good idea.

🔹 A notepad is recommended - there will be lots of info!

🔹 T&Cs and Disclaimer: https://www.meetup.com/fireside-meetups/pages/32388653/Terms,_Conditions_and_Disclaimers/

🔹 We'll be taking photos and may do some filming too, so by signing up you're happy to be included in any shots.

🔹 YouTube channel for more foraging, bushcraft and adventures (please subscribe!): https://youtube.com/channel/UCtxeAxp2Ty5BxHHT93DEnrQ