Build new skills.
Connect with nature.
Boost your mental health.
Embers Woodcraft is dedicated to supporting the mental health of military and blue light families, using the power of the natural environment to bring people together, build resilience, and promote wellbeing.
“And into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”
A Day in the Wild
A day with us typically lasts 24 hours. You will be met and welcomed by a member of staff and shown to our woods. Once you have had time to sort your kit and set up your tent, basha or hammock, we will have a short familiarisation before getting started with the day.
This may include a lesson in deer preparation, foraging, map reading, bushcraft cooking or spoon carving, depending on the facilities and instructors available.
During the day there will be plenty of time for brews, chats and enjoying the surroundings.
As the day goes on we usually introduce a second activity, which could be anything from air rifle shooting to catapults or some simple but useful first aid. Our aim is for you to take something away, whether it is an introduction to a new skill or simply the chance to spend time in nature clearing your head and resetting.
In the early evening we gather around the campfire for a short mental health check in. You do not need to share your life story and you do not have to say anything if you would rather not.
In the morning, once you have packed your kit, we will see you off with a bacon roll and a brew by the campfire.
Heal in Nature
Mental health difficulties in these environments can vary, from adjustment to civilian life after leaving the services to managing trauma experienced while on active duty. At Embers Woodcraft, we believe in creating a setting where small groups of like-minded individuals can come together in a natural environment.
Gain New Skills
Through a casual and relaxed bushcraft skills programme, we aim to facilitate the exchange of experiences and skills, fostering healing and introducing new coping mechanisms for future challenges.
Find Support
While Embers Woodcraft does not offer counselling services, we will do our utmost to identify individuals that may need further support and will signpost them to the relevant resources to assist in any way we can in the healing process.
Our Values: Learning, Acceptance, Recovery and Openness
Embers Woodcraft was inspired by my deep passion for the outdoors, in particular wild camping and simple, easy to apply bushcraft.
Throughout my life, outdoor activities have played a significant role, starting from my time in the military to my nearly 30-year career in the Fire Service. These experiences have not only shaped me but have also exposed me to the mental health challenges prevalent in the services.
Mental health difficulties in these environments can vary, from adjustment to civilian life after leaving the services to managing trauma experienced while on active duty. At Embers Woodcraft, we believe in creating a setting where small groups of like-minded individuals can come together in a natural environment. Through a casual and relaxed bushcraft skills programme, we aim to facilitate the exchange of experiences and skills, fostering healing and introducing new coping mechanisms for future challenges.
Jason Reeves – Founder
My healing journey led me to Embers Wood Craft, to not just to find my soul, but also my smile and most importantly my peace. I finally feel like I am thriving again as a police officer, a friend and most importantly, as Dad.
Endorsed by Billy Billingham
It brings back all the old veterans, male and female, get them together under the stars talking about their mental health
A decorated military leader, Billy served over 20 years in the SAS.
Billy was bodyguard and Head of Security to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and is TV’s most experienced, highest ranking and most decorated SAS leader and SAS instructor.
These words mean a lot to us at Embers Woodcraft. Thank you Billy.