Back to Basics - Bushcrafters CIC

Why Some Young People Struggle to Concentrate in a Classroom but Thrive Outdoors
At Back to Basics Out of School Alternative Provision, we often see young people who find it difficult to focus, engage, or regulate their behaviour in a traditional classroom environment, yet demonstrate excellent concentration and participation during outdoor learning activities.
A classroom can present many challenges. Young people are often expected to sit still for long periods, process large amounts of verbal information, cope with sensory distractions, and engage with learning that may feel disconnected from their interests or real-life experiences. For some pupils, particularly those with social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) needs, autism, ADHD, anxiety, or previous negative experiences of education, these demands can create stress and reduce their ability to concentrate.
Outdoor learning provides a different environment. Bushcraft, nature-based activities, practical problem-solving, and hands-on tasks give learning a clear purpose and immediate relevance. Young people can move naturally, use their senses, and engage physically with their surroundings. Activities such as fire lighting, shelter building, tool use, and environmental projects require sustained attention, planning, risk assessment, teamwork, and resilience.
The outdoor environment also reduces many of the pressures associated with classrooms. Natural settings have been shown to promote calmness, reduce anxiety, and support emotional regulation. When pupils feel relaxed and safe, they are often better able to focus, follow instructions, and persevere with challenging tasks.
Many young people who struggle to concentrate on a worksheet for ten minutes can remain fully engaged for an hour or more while constructing a shelter, safely using tools, or working towards a practical goal. This is not because they are incapable of concentrating; rather, the outdoor environment provides a learning experience that matches their strengths, interests, and learning style.
At Back to Basics, we recognise that concentration is not simply about a young person’s willingness to focus. It is strongly influenced by the environment, the teaching approach, and the relevance of the activity. By providing meaningful, practical, and nature-based learning experiences, we help young people develop confidence, resilience, self-regulation, and the ability to sustain attention in ways that are often difficult to achieve within a traditional classroom setting.The Bushcraft Man

Back to Basics Alternative Provision – School Information

Back to Basics Alternative Provision offers a unique, nurturing, and engaging educational experience for young people who may struggle within a traditional classroom environment. Our provision focuses on developing confidence, resilience, practical life skills, and positive relationships through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences.

Using a bushcraft and nature-based approach, learners are encouraged to reconnect with education through meaningful activities that promote personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and academic engagement. Sessions are designed to support pupils with a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties, anxiety, low attendance, behavioural challenges, and those at risk of disengagement from education.

Our curriculum combines practical outdoor skills with opportunities to develop key competencies such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, literacy, numeracy, and independent living skills. Activities may include:

* Bushcraft and survival skills
* Fire lighting and fire safety
* Shelter and den building
* Tool use and woodcraft
* Environmental awareness and conservation
* Foraging and natural resource identification
* Team-building and social development activities
* Wellbeing and resilience-building programmes
* First aid and personal safety

At Back to Basics, we understand that every young person is different. We provide a personalised approach, working closely with schools, families, and other professionals to create tailored programmes that meet individual needs and support positive outcomes.

Our experienced staff foster a calm, supportive environment where pupils can experience success, build self-esteem, and develop the confidence needed to re-engage with learning. We aim to help learners improve attendance, behaviour, emotional regulation, social skills, and readiness for future education, training, or employment.

Key Benefits for Schools:

* Individualised support and intervention
* Improved pupil engagement and attendance
* Development of social, emotional, and behavioural skills
* Increased confidence, resilience, and self-esteem
* Alternative curriculum opportunities linked to EHCP and SEMH outcomes
* Regular progress updates and communication with referring schools
* Safe, structured, and risk-assessed learning environment

Back to Basics Alternative Provision provides young people with the opportunity to step away from the pressures of a conventional classroom, reconnect with learning, and discover their strengths through practical, purposeful experiences in the natural environment. The Bushcraft Man Jonathan Earle

So many wonderful things to learn. The Bushcraft Man Jonathan Earle

Dandelion Salve | Soothing Wildcrafted Skin Balm

https://backtobasicsgb.etsy.com/listing/4306981531

Slow-made and sun-infused, this golden balm captures the simple goodness of wild dandelion blossoms—gathered by hand and steeped in nourishing almond oil. Blended with smooth soy wax and a touch of vitamin E, it glides on gently, bringing soft comfort to weathered skin.

Known in folk circles for their calming nature, dandelions have long been cherished for helping soothe and soften skin exposed to the elements. This salve makes a trusty addition to your herbal first-aid tin or daily care routine—perfect for dry hands, hardworking feet, or anywhere needing a little extra care.

Ingredients:
Wildcrafted dandelion flowers infused in almond oil, soy wax, vitamin E (non-GMO).

Size: 5ml, 15ml, 30ml & 60ml reusable tins

To Use:
Massage a small amount into clean skin as needed. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Note: For external use only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. As with all natural products, try a patch test first and discontinue if irritation occurs. The Bushcraft Man Jonathan Earle

Alternative Provision That Delivers Real Outcomes

We provide high-quality Alternative Provision designed to re-engage young people who may be struggling in mainstream education. Our programmes combine nationally recognised learning, accredited qualifications, personal development, and practical life skills to help learners build confidence, resilience, and positive futures.

Through structured outdoor learning, bushcraft, vocational activities, and tailored educational support, we help young people develop self-regulation, improve attendance and engagement, strengthen social and emotional skills, and work towards meaningful qualifications. Every programme is individually planned to meet EHCP outcomes, school targets, and local authority requirements.

We work in partnership with schools, local authorities, and families to create positive pathways that support reintegration, further education, employment, and long-term success.

Commissioning available for schools, academies, trusts, and local authorities. ゚ The Bushcraft Man

Only in Britain are we not surprised by HAIL in the summer.

🪶 Nature’s Live Concert – The Woodpecker’s Secret Stage! 🪶

Today we were treated to an amazing wildlife performance! Hidden inside a tree hole, a young woodpecker chirped and called, giving us a front-row seat to one of nature’s live concerts.

The pupils stood quietly, listened carefully, and watched as the bird communicated from its woodland home. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn about how woodpeckers use tree cavities for nesting and raising their young. Their chirps help them communicate with their parents and alert them when they are hungry.

Experiences like this remind us that the outdoors is one of the best classrooms. By slowing down, observing, and respecting wildlife, we can discover incredible moments that many people walk past without ever noticing.

Bushcraft Learning Point:
Good bushcrafters use all of their senses. Today we practised the skill of “sit, watch, and listen” – a valuable technique for spotting wildlife and understanding the natural world around us.

What an unforgettable lesson from one of our woodland teachers! ゚ The Bushcraft Man Jonathan Earle

From reclaimed oak destined for the Fire to handcrafted unique sculpture pieces.

Every piece starts as a rough block of oak and is carefully shaped, sanded by hand to a silky-smooth 400-grit finish, then treated with pure tung oil to bring out the incredible natural grain.

No CNC machines. No mass production. Just traditional craftsmanship, patience, and a love for working with wood.

These sculptural oak bookends and door stops are completely unique—no two pieces will ever have the same grain pattern, colour, or character.

Handmade in the UK 🇬🇧

Available now:
Back to Basics GB Etsy Shop

https://backtobasicsgb.etsy.com Bushcraft Man The Bushcraft ManJonathan Earle

Should I burn or make something?? Definitely make something this time. Ideas are a door stop or a bookend. Let’s see what happens. Bushcraft Man Back to Basics - Bushcrafters CICThe Bushcraft ManJonathan Earle