50 Things to Do in the Wild

50 savvy skills for outdoor adventurers.

This trusty guide teaches you all the essential skills you need to survive in the wild, from building a shelter to making a fire. Forest school practitioner Richard Skrein shares his expertise and enthusiasm for the outdoors through easy-to-understand instructions, illustrated with captivating drawings by Maria Nilsson. The book is divided into four main chapters reflecting the elemental skill sets:

Earth – this chapter focuses on toolcraft, foraging and natural resources. Learn how to make a bow, arrows and a mallet; identify essential plants and trees and their medicinal properties.
Air – this chapter focuses on shelters, knots, navigation and the sky. Learn the secrets of selecting the perfect wilderness camp; master knots and lashings; and discover how to read nature’s ‘GPS’.
Water – this chapter focuses on finding, drinking and using water, fishing and rafts. Learn how to purify water for drinking; suss out the skills needed to fashion a fishing rod; and make a sail for your handmade raft.
Fire – this chapter focuses on making and using fire and cooking food. Master the art of building a fire, set your own signal fire and build a Swedish fire log.

The book also explains the items you need to ensure your rucksack is kitted out with the best equipment for exploring. With extra tips and a rundown of useful tools, you’ll find everything you need to get out there, have an adventure and survive the great outdoors.

About the author

Richard Skrein can be found in the woods and on the coastlines of Europe and beyond, and is an experienced educational professional with a profound and enduring passion for outdoor education. A born Londoner with a wandering spirit, he loves nothing more than to learn new (and ancient) ways of connecting with the natural world, before sharing that knowledge with others. He believes deeply in the power of the outdoors to educate, nurture and inspire.

Maria Nilsson is a freelance illustrator based in London. Her illustrations are heavily influenced by the natural world, exploring various tactile qualities of colour, pattern and texture. She is the illustrator behind 50 Things to Do with a Penknife, 40 Knots and How to Tie Them and Pittipat’s Saucer of Moon.