LATEST OUTDOOR GUIDES
Keep up to date with the latest guides, activities and resources from Survival Guides UK. Explore new articles covering outdoor skills, survival, Scout activities, camping, navigation, knots, fire safety and practical skills.
Our latest posts are designed to help Scouts, youth groups, leaders and anyone interested in outdoor learning develop practical knowledge and confidence. From new activity ideas and survival skills to useful how-to guides, check back regularly for the latest resources.
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Hitches: Essential Knots for Scouts and Pioneering
Hitches are an important part of Scout knot work and pioneering. Unlike many knots that are tied in rope to join or create a fixed point, a hitch is normally used to attach a rope to something such as a post, pole, ring or another rope. Learning a few useful hitches gives Scouts a much…
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Environmental Responsibility: Making Outdoor Adventures More Sustainable
Spending time outdoors gives Scouts the chance to explore nature, learn practical skills and enjoy new experiences. But every outdoor activity has an impact on the environment, whether it is a short walk, a weekend camp or a large Scout event. Environmental responsibility means thinking about that impact and making sensible choices to reduce unnecessary…
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Conservation: Simple Ways Scouts Can Help UK Wildlife
Conservation is about looking after the natural world and helping plants, animals and habitats thrive. For Scouts, it can be a practical part of learning about nature, whether you’re exploring woodland, working on a campsite, taking part in a conservation project or simply noticing the wildlife around you. You don’t need specialist equipment or expert…
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Animal Tracks for Scouts: How to Identify Wildlife Footprints
You don’t always need to see an animal to know that it has been there. A footprint in mud, a trail through grass or marks in snow can reveal clues about wildlife nearby. Learning to recognise animal tracks is a great Scout skill because it encourages observation, patience and careful exploration. Animal tracking doesn’t mean…
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Plants for Scouts: A Practical Guide to Exploring UK Plant Life
Plants are one of the easiest ways for Scouts to start exploring the natural world. They are found almost everywhere — in woodland, fields, hedgerows, parks, gardens, heathland and even cracks in pavements. Learning to notice and identify them can turn an ordinary walk into a much more interesting outdoor adventure. You don’t need to…
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UK Trees for Scouts: A Practical Guide to Tree Identification
Knowing how to recognise common UK trees is a useful outdoor skill for Scouts. Trees provide shelter, shade, wildlife habitat and materials for many outdoor activities. Learning to identify them also helps Scouts become more observant and understand the environment around them. You don’t need to know every species to get started. Learning a handful…
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Footwear for Scouts: Choosing and Caring for Outdoor Footwear
Good footwear is one of the most important pieces of equipment a Scout can have outdoors. Whether you’re walking across a muddy campsite, hiking through woodland, exploring countryside or spending a day outdoors, the right footwear can make the activity much more comfortable. Poorly chosen footwear can cause blisters, discomfort, wet feet and tiredness. In…
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How to Pack Efficiently for Hikes
Packing for a hike is an important outdoor skill. A well-packed rucksack is easier to carry, easier to organise and much less frustrating when you need something along the way. For Scouts, learning how to pack efficiently is also a useful lesson in preparation and decision-making. You need to think about what you actually need,…
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Knives and Tool Safety for Scouts
Learning to use outdoor tools can be an important part of developing practical Scout skills. Knives, saws and other hand tools can help Scouts learn about woodcraft, campcraft, shelter building and practical problem-solving. They also introduce risks that need to be taken seriously. Good tool safety isn’t about being afraid of tools. It is about…
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Equipment Maintenance for Scouts: Keeping Outdoor Gear Ready to Use
Good equipment can last for years if it is looked after properly. For Scouts, learning how to maintain camping and outdoor equipment is an important practical skill. Looking after a tent, cleaning a cooking stove, checking a compass or drying a sleeping bag may not seem as exciting as using the equipment, but it is…
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