Build Your
Own Shelter.
Shelter building is where bushcraft meets engineering. At our Kent woodland, you will learn to construct tarp shelters, debris shelters and weather-proof structures using only natural materials from the forest floor. By the end, you will know how to stay dry and warm in the wild.
📍 Cudham Shaws Outdoor Centre, Lower Site, Sevenoaks BR6 7LH
What Is Shelter Building?
Shelter building is the art of creating a protective structure using natural materials and basic tools. It is one of the most satisfying and practical bushcraft skills you can learn. At our Kent site, we teach you multiple shelter types: from quick tarp configurations to full debris shelters built entirely from woodland materials.
You will learn site selection (where to build and why it matters), structural design (how to create a shelter that actually withstands wind and rain), insulation techniques, and the principles of heat retention. This is hands-on, physical, and deeply rewarding work.
Why Learn Shelter Building in Kent?
The Kent countryside offers the ideal mix of materials for shelter building. Our Cudham Shaws woodland is rich in branches, leaf litter, ferns and natural cordage materials, giving you authentic experience with what the forest actually provides.
Learning shelter building in Kent means you are close to London and the South East, making it an accessible day trip or weekend adventure. You will leave with skills that could genuinely save your life, and memories of building something real with your own hands.
Outdoor Team Building in Kent
As a team building exercise, shelter building is hard to beat. It demands communication, shared decision-making and genuine collaboration under real conditions. Our Kent woodland strips away the usual corporate distractions and puts your team in an environment where every contribution matters and every role has purpose.
For the ultimate team day out, we can pair this with other activities. We regularly combine activities into full-day or weekend experiences. A morning of archery builds focus and friendly competition, an afternoon of pioneering demands engineering and teamwork, and an evening campfire brings everyone together. Your group leaves with shared memories, inside jokes and a genuine sense of accomplishment that carries back into the workplace.
Real Roles
The woodland reveals leaders, communicators and problem-solvers. People step up in ways the office never reveals.
Genuine Bonds
There is no substitute for shared challenge. Your team leaves with real memories and real connection.
No Experience Needed
Everyone starts on equal footing. No one is the expert, so everyone learns and contributes together.
Popular combinations with shelter building:
Is This For You?
- ✓Families wanting a creative outdoor challenge
- ✓Bushcraft beginners learning core survival skills
- ✓Campers who want to sleep under their own shelter
- ✓Corporate teams building something together
- ✓Scouts and youth group leaders
- ✓Anyone who loves hands-on, physical outdoor work
Ready to Try Shelter Building?
Book your spot at our next Kent event. No experience needed - just bring yourself and a sense of adventure.
Book NowThe Perfect Setting
Our Kent woodland at Cudham Shaws offers the ideal environment for shelter building. Easily accessible from London and the South East, with natural terrain, diverse woodland and dedicated activity areas.
Natural Woodland
Genuine mixed broadleaf woodland with diverse terrain and materials, providing an authentic outdoor experience.
Easy Access
Located at Cudham Shaws, Sevenoaks BR6 7LH. Easy reach from London, Kent and the South East.
Expert Instructors
Our experienced bushcraft instructors guide every session, adapting to your skill level and group.
Skills You Will Take Home
- ✓Site selection and assessment for shelter placement
- ✓Tarp shelter configurations and knot systems
- ✓Debris shelter construction from natural materials
- ✓Insulation and weather-proofing techniques
- ✓Structural integrity and wind resistance principles
- ✓Heat retention and shelter comfort optimisation
Know What You Are Getting
This Is NOT...
- A theory-based classroom session
- Just pitching a tent
- A passive watching experience
- Only for survival experts
- An indoor activity
- A quick tick-box exercise
THIS IS...
- Hands-on building with real materials
- Learning multiple shelter types
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Led by experienced bushcraft instructors
- Set in a beautiful Kent woodland
- A practical skill you will keep forever
Warrior Women
24 Oct 2026 · From £50pp
Warrior Women
12 Dec 2026 · From £50pp
Shelter Craft
16 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Inner Warrior Weekend
30 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Warrior Women
24 Oct 2026 · From £50pp
Warrior Women
12 Dec 2026 · From £50pp
Shelter Craft
16 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Inner Warrior Weekend
30 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Warrior Women
24 Oct 2026 · From £50pp
Warrior Women
12 Dec 2026 · From £50pp
Shelter Craft
16 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Inner Warrior Weekend
30 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Warrior Women
24 Oct 2026 · From £50pp
Warrior Women
12 Dec 2026 · From £50pp
Shelter Craft
16 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Inner Warrior Weekend
30 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027 · From £40pp
Real Reviews
A wonderful day getting back to nature, having fun and learning new skills. I brought my 9 year old and even though she was the only child the whole group was so welcoming to her and we both had a blast! We'll definitely go again.
What a day! I can't recommend this event enough. We had 6h of back to back activities and every single one was exemplary. James and his team are so down to earth, knowledgeable and fun. My abs hurt from laughing for 6h straight! I honestly cannot recommend this enough, incredible value and a day I will remember forever! Do yourself a favour and book!!!
Awesome atmosphere, great escape from day to day challenges. Instructors are well educated in many fields of life, literally knowledgeable about everything you could possibly think of asking. Most important it's great fun and you really feel like a member of great family, couldn't recommend that more to everyone who is looking to spark their life with new adventures. Best of all you can bring your kids with you as well, what a great opportunity for me and my son to spend a great quality time together! I look forward to next event!
Shelter Building FAQs
From Just £40 Per Person
All equipment, instruction and woodland access included. Transparent pricing, no hidden costs.
See All EventsNo Hidden Costs
Transparent, honest pricing. Shelter Building is included in all our public events. For private or corporate bookings, request a custom quote.
- Full day of activities
- Expert bushcraft instructors
- All equipment provided
- No experience needed
- Small group sizes
- Two full days of activities
- Overnight camping included
- Evening campfire experience
- Expert bushcraft instructors
- All equipment provided
- No experience needed
See What Other Activities We Do
Fire Lighting & Wood Prep
Master ferro rods, charcloth and natural tinders. Learn wood selection and safe preparation to build and sustain a fire.
Pioneering
Learn knots, lashings and rope work to construct tripods, towers and team structures under pressure.
Archery
Traditional target archery in the woodland setting. Full beginner instruction included - no experience needed.
Archery Tag
High-energy team combat using foam-tipped arrows. The perfect blend of dodgeball and archery.
Airsoft
Team-based tactical missions in the natural woodland terrain. Strategy, communication and teamwork under fire.
Siege Building
Design, build and battle with siege engines and catapults. Engineering under pressure, teamwork in action.
Campfire Experience
Cook over an open fire, share stories and experience real community. The heart of every woodland gathering.
Large-Scale Pioneering
Rope bridges, scaling towers and full pioneering structures built by the whole group. Epic engineering challenges.
Prepping
Practical preparedness skills: food storage, water sourcing, emergency planning and self-sufficiency in the wild.
Zipline Building
Design, rig and ride your own zipline. A thrilling blend of engineering, teamwork and pure adrenaline.
Team Building
Purpose-designed woodland challenges that reveal leadership, build trust and create genuine team bonds.
Command Tasks
Classic leadership and problem-solving scenarios. Work under time pressure with limited resources and clear goals.
Tool Skills & Safety
Safe use of axes, saws, knives and woodland tools. Build confidence and competence with hands-on instruction.
First Aid
Practical first aid in an outdoor context. Learn to respond calmly and effectively in remote environments.
Poetry & Creative Writing
Find your voice in the woods. Guided creative writing and poetry sessions inspired by the natural environment.
Empowerment Days
Structured programmes designed to build confidence, resilience and self-belief through outdoor challenge.
Wellness Days
Mindfulness, breathwork and nature connection woven into a restorative woodland day experience.