If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise when you try a bit of bushcraft in Dorset! Now this is truly time out in the countryside with a difference as you get to live life on the wild side for a day or weekend of bushcraft skills.

This range of bushcraft courses in Dorset includes a one day 'taster' event, where you can dip your toe into the world of wilderness survival, a small group weekend when you stay overnight, or a family bushcraft bonding session getaway for a night sleeping under the stars as a change from the usual home routine with the kids.

If you opt for the one day course it's all about being introduced to the basics of bush crafting. Dorset may be famous for its coastline and beaches, but in-land there are also acres and acres of ancient woodlands, rich with flora and fauna where anyone with the knowledge can be quite comfortably self-sufficient - even if it is just for a few hours.

Far away from your smartphone and TV, you'll be immersed in this corner of the wild in Dorset for a full day to learn these essential bushcrafting skills. There's no canteen, so what you eat during the day will be foraged, prepared and cooked by yourselves. You'll even be building the open fire cooking range too. Oh and if you thought there'd be matches to light said fire, think again. It's all about friction firelighting here and knowing your tinder and kindling from your firewood.

The small group weekend bushcraft course will see you sleeping outdoors, so as well as learning those same skills, you'll also have to make yourself a shelter for the night. That could involve setting up a hammock, or building something tarp-based, but in the end it'll be surprisingly snug and warm, as well as testing your knot tying skills. And of course you'll need to eat, so there are sessions on traps and tracking, foraging and even carving tools and utensils.

For families wanting to swap lazing on the beach for bushcraft, the family weekend is a perfect choice. The kids will love being able to explore in the 'wilderness' of Dorset, whilst the adults also adore learning new bushcraft skills.

So isn't it time you learnt some bushcraft? Our Dorset-based instructors offer a wealth of knowledge and have loads of fab tips on surviving in the wild, all wrapped up in a fun time. On the day and weekend bushcraft sessions your instructors will be at camp with you at all times, but on the family weekend, your little family unit will also have time to bond and enjoy some together too. Bring on the starry night and crackling campfire!