The Wilderness Gathering 2017

Now in it's fifteenth year The Wilderness Gathering has become the annual pilgrimage for all interested in bushcraft and survival. A long weekend from Thursday to Sunday is sometimes just not enough to take in all the activities included in a weekend ticket where full time professional bushcraft schools rub shoulders with primitive skills trainers and all kind of relevant equipment traders.So the good news for 2017 is the organisers are opening the doors to weekend visitors a day early this year so you can set up on The Wednesday. The aim being to give more time to attend workshops throughout the festival period without having to rush from one to the other. The Gathering is the ultimate place to get all your bushcraft and survival kit from tipis to knives and axes to fire steels. Take some time whist there to have a go at double headed axe throwing or archery or sit around and learn flint knapping or blacksmithing. Not only do the organisers lay on workshops and demonstrations that are included in a weekend ticket price, they also offer a training programme for the younger bushcrafters. There are separate groups for both primary and secondary school ages where they will by trained and led through relevant activities throughout the weekend by professional and DBS checked instructors. Again all included in the ticket price. This make the Wilderness Gathering a truly unique and family friendly event.

Over the years there have been workshops on everything from friction fire to survival fishing and foraging to buckskin tanning. This year there will open (Canadian style) canoe instruction on the lake from qualified instructors. The event has three evenings of acoustic musical entertainment for weekend ticket holders, or they can retire to the various campsites around the the show either in woodlands, open fields and there is even a small area for campervans. This year sees more water points around the site and an improved flatter area for campers and caravans as the organisers have reacted to feedback from previous years. It seems Wilderness Gathering are constantly striving to improve an event that is already the best of it kind! Campfires are allowed in the two camping zones. This year sees the introduction of a dedicated bushcraft camping zone in the woodlands, where tents are not permitted and you can set up your basha or hammock without being overshadowed by a huge 10 man tent! Firewood is available onsite as is very good quality home cooked organic food, drink and cakes. The event is located in West Knoyle, Wiltshire on 16th to 20st August. All the details you'll need can be found at www.wildernessgathering.co.uk or you can call 0845 8387062