UKSN Bushcraft Basics: Natural Shelter Materials *Updated*

When venturing into the British wilderness, the ability to construct a shelter using natural materials is a fundamental bushcraft skill. A well-built shelter not only provides protection from the elements but also ensures safety and comfort during your outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various natural shelter materials available in the UK and delve into the techniques for building effective shelters.

Selecting the Ideal Shelter Location

Before gathering materials, choosing an appropriate site for your shelter is crucial. Consider the following factors:

• Proximity to Resources: Select a location near abundant materials for shelter construction, firewood, and water sources.

• Safety from Hazards: Avoid areas with standing or hanging deadwood, which can pose risks of falling branches. Steer clear of low-lying regions prone to flooding and cold traps in valleys or gullies.

• Wind Direction: Position your shelter in alignment with the prevailing wind to minimise exposure and enhance warmth.

• Wildlife Considerations: Ensure your chosen site is not on animal trails or near habitats to prevent disturbances.

Utilising Natural Shelter Materials

The UK's diverse landscapes offer a variety of natural materials suitable for shelter construction. Here's how to effectively use them:

Branches and Logs

Branches and logs serve as the backbone of many shelter types:

• Framework Construction: Use sturdy, straight branches for the main structure. Smaller branches can act as crossbeams and supports. Logs can function as baseboards or pillars to elevate your shelter off the damp ground.

• Lean-To Shelters: A lean-to is a simple yet effective shelter. By lashing a crosspiece between two trees or upright poles and adding a sloping roof on one side, you create a basic structure. Strengthen the frame by ensuring the base is firmly lashed and fill the sides with uprights. To waterproof, weave branches and leaves into the frame, layering them from bottom to top to channel water away.

Leaves and Foliage

Leaves and foliage provide insulation and waterproofing:

• Thatching: Use large leaves, such as those from broadleaf trees, to create a thatched roof. Layer them densely, starting from the bottom and working upwards, to ensure rainwater runs off effectively.

• Insulation: A thick layer of leaves on the shelter's exterior walls enhances insulation, retaining heat during colder nights.

Bark and Tree Trunks

Bark offers durability and weather resistance:

• Shingles and Siding: Strips of bark can be fashioned into shingles or siding, adding an extra layer of protection against wind and rain.

• Structural Support: Tree trunks can serve as natural support poles or walls, especially when constructing more robust shelters like log cabins.

Moss and Lichen

Moss and lichen act as natural sealants and insulators:

• Gap Filling: Place moss and lichen between gaps in your shelter's structure to seal openings, preventing drafts and moisture ingress.

• Interior Lining: Lining the interior walls with moss adds an additional layer of warmth and moisture resistance.

Rocks and Stones

Rocks and stones contribute to the stability and functionality of shelters:

• Foundation Building: Use rocks to construct a solid foundation, ensuring your shelter remains stable on uneven terrain.

• Fireplaces and Retaining Walls: Incorporate stones to build fireplaces, which can provide warmth and a means to cook food. Retaining walls made of stacked stones can offer additional structural support.

Reeds and Grasses

In wetland areas, reeds and grasses are valuable resources:

• Thatched Roofs and Walls: Bundle reeds and grasses tightly to create thatched coverings, offering excellent waterproofing and insulation. Secure them firmly to the shelter frame for durability.

Constructing Various Shelter Types

Understanding different shelter designs enhances your adaptability in the wild. Here are some common types:

Lean-To Shelter

A lean-to is ideal for fair weather and can be constructed as follows:

• Structure: Lash a horizontal ridgepole between two trees or upright poles. Lean branches at a 45° angle against one side to form the roof.

• Waterproofing: Weave smaller branches and foliage into the frame, layering from bottom to top with the growth upside down to channel water away.

• Orientation: Position the open side away from prevailing winds. Building a fire in front of the open side, with a reflector on the opposite side of the fire, can enhance warmth.

A-Frame Shelter

For more inclement weather, an A-frame provides protection:

• Structure: Construct a lean-to as described above, then add a second side opposite the first, creating an A-frame that deflects rain and wind from both sides.

• Insulation: Thatch both sides with leaves, branches, or other available materials, ensuring a thickness of at least 3 feet for effective insulation.

Debris Hut

A debris hut is suitable for colder conditions, especially when fire isn't an option:

• Structure: Place one end of a ridgepole on the ground and support the other end with a sturdy branch or forked stick, creating a triangular frame. Lean branches along both sides to form a closed structure with a small entrance.

• Insulation: Cover the frame with a thick layer of leaves, moss, and other debris, aiming for at least 3 feet of material to trap body heat effectively.

• Bedding: Inside, create a bedding layer of compressed leaves or other insulating materials at least 4 inches thick to prevent heat loss to the ground.

Log Cabin

For a more permanent shelter:

• Logs as Walls: Stack logs in an interlocking pattern for stability.

• Chinking the Gaps: Use moss, mud, or bark to seal gaps between logs, preventing drafts.

• Weatherproofing: Incorporate a slanted roof covered with thatch or bark for optimal rain runoff.

Sustainability and Ethical Shelter Building

When gathering natural materials, always prioritise sustainability:

• Use Deadfall: Collect fallen branches, leaves, and bark rather than damaging live trees.

• Follow Local Regulations: Some areas may have restrictions on gathering resources, so be mindful of legal considerations.

• Leave No Trace: When breaking camp, dismantle your shelter and return the area to its natural state.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of natural shelter materials is an invaluable skill for bushcraft, survival, and outdoor adventures. By understanding how to effectively utilise branches, foliage, bark, moss, and other natural elements, you can build shelters that provide warmth, protection, and comfort in various conditions. Whether you're on a casual wild camping trip or practising survival skills, respect for nature and sustainable resource use should always be a priority.

Have you built a natural shelter before? Share your experiences and tips with the UKSN community!