About the Summer BushMoot
What's the BushMoot? this short video will give you an idea of what to expect when you come to the best bushcraft event ever.
What is the Moot?
The Bushmoot is an opportunity for individuals and families with an interest in Bushcraft to gather together and expand their knowledge through mutual skill sharing.
The Moot runs for nearly two weeks and you're welcome to come for all of it or any part you feel like. The main workshop days, we call the 'Core' days, are in the middle of the Moot.
It doesn’t matter whether you are experienced or new to bushcraft, everyone is welcome. The days either side of the ‘Core’ are camping days which give individuals the opportunity to practise their Bushcraft skills, attend courses, socialise, visit the local area or just relax and enjoy the natural setting.
The Site is nearly 100 acres, mainly of beautiful woodland with a sandy soil. There are toilets, showers, a washing up area around the edges of the main building and there are a number of fresh water taps away from the main building. You can camp nearly anywhere, there are quiet areas and areas where people stay up a bit longer and are a bit louder - we can point out which direction to go once you've arrived.
How the Moot works
For 2020 the BushMoot runs from the 4th (3rd for Full Members of BushcraftUK.com) to the 15th August and the ‘Core’ of the event (workshops etc) will run from Friday 7nd August through to Wednesday 12th. A number of free workshops are held each day on Sat, Sun, Tue and Wed and anyone is welcome to attend, participate or observe (some workshops ask a donation for materials). Monday 10th is a ‘Community/Trading/relaxed Day’ where individuals can set up stalls to sell their wares. We then have a communal meal in the evening from food brought along by attendees 'Bring a Pot'. (More details below)
Relaxed Atmosphere - You can do as much or as little as you want at the Moot, attend all the workshops or hang at the beach, it's up to you.
For Everyone - Attending the Moot does not depend on you having any experience in the outdoors, there really is something for everyone.
Families - Families and children have always been welcome at the Moot, it's a secure site where they can have all the fun nature can provide.
Communal Meal - Each year we have a hugely popular communal Pot Luck meal which everyone is invited to attend and bring food to put on the table, it works if you bring enough food for you and your family/friends and then we all share.
This year the meal will be on the 5th August at about 6pm. It's a great opportunity to relax and enjoy each others company and get to know everyone else. Bring a big pot!!
eTickets - Once you book you will receive an email with your registration number on it, this is the number you need to give when you arrive at the Moot, it will be linked to your name and other details on our records.
We do not send out any other tickets.
Ethos - The Moot has a relaxed friendly atmosphere where people are interested in helping and sharing skills with each other. It has a community feel that we strive to keep and is the reason we have not grown the attendee numbers even though there is the demand for it. We do not want to lose what we have for the sake of being more commercial.
Food and Provisions - The Moot is a self catering event*, you can find out more on local shops on the guidelines page.
*There is a Meal 'Pork Roast' available from 6-8pm on the 7th August and a Bacon & Pancakes breakfast on the morning of the 10th between 8 - 9am, you can reserve your place and meal through the ticket shop here.
Arrival, Setting up and Departure
Full Members Full Event (Free Bonus Day) - Full members can arrive on Monday 3rd July from 12 Noon onwards, this is a free bonus day before the regular attendees arrive at the Moot.
If you would like to become a full member subscriptions are available on Bushcraft UK, please follow this link for more information.
Arrival Full Event - For anyone not a Full Member the arrival day is Tuesday 4th August from 10am.
Camping Days - Camping days are either side of the Core days.
Monday 3rd August (Just for Full Member bookings)
Tuesday 4th August - Everyone
Wednesday 5th August - Everyone
Thursday 6th August - Everyone
7-12th August - Core days (Workshops and Community/Trading Day)
Thursday 13th August - Everyone
Friday 14th August - Everyone
Saturday 15th August* - Everyone
*Saturday 15th Aug - Is not a camping day (overnight). although free to enjoy the site until everyone departs by 3pm
Core Days - If you are coming for the 'Core' days then you can arrive from 10am on Friday 7th August and you need to depart from the site by the evening of Wednesday 12th August.
Parking - Cars need to be parked in designated areas and display an attendance card from the reception for identification. Cars should not be driven around the site; the only road they're allowed on is the main route between the front gate and the car park.
Registration - Please bring your reference number with you and provide it at reception on arrival.
Setting up Camp - The easiest thing to do is park your car, register with staff at the reception and then have a wander about to find the perfect spot for your camp. Then get your stuff and set up in the chosen spot.
If you wish to extend your stay while at the Moot you can purchase extra days at reception.
Departure - You need to depart by 10pm on the last day of your booking, the last day anyone can book to be on site is Saturday 15th August. All attendees need to depart the site by 3pm on this day.
Bushy bags (goodie bags)
Bushy bags, where available, are given away to adult attendees of the BushMoot, inside you’ll find items such as a map, itinerary, BushMoot guidelines, a black bin bag for all your rubbish, and a few small items you may find useful over your stay. The bags may include a selection of items such as pens, notepads, emergency ponchos, boot polish, sun block sticks or lip salves, keyrings, badges and, well you get the idea.
If you are able to contribute any item to the Bushy bags, please get in touch before the event, this is a great opportunity to advertise your business.
Facilities and Site Policies
Main Building - This is a big wooden building and this is the hub of the site, on the wall we have notice boards where we list all the workshops, courses and any other relevant information.
Reception - Is located in or right next to the main Building. Here you can register on arrival, purchase items from the shop - just some basic kit items, not food, rummage through the bring and buy section and collect lost property & children.
First Aid Point - The reception area is the main point for any First Aid needs.
Knives are welcome as tools, but please also carry a first aid kit - this kit will be used by a first aider should you suffer an injury whilst on site.
Please remove knives when going off site
Toilets - Ladies and Men's toilets are on opposite sides of the main building and a disabled toilet is on the end of the building.
Please be considerate and keep these as clean as possible.
There are small bins provided in the ladies cubicles for any sanitary products, please use them rather than flush items down the toilet.
Showers - Entry to the separate Men's & Women's shower areas are at the far end of the Main Building, there are two showers in each. Please be considerate by not getting the changing area muddy etc.
Washing up - Sinks for washing up are located at the far end of the Main Building.
Drinking water - There are numerous water taps around the central areas of the site and in the kitchen area. You will need to have water containers that hold enough for your needs so you can fill up and have water in your camps.
Rubbish disposal - The site owners have issued a policy that everyone takes their own rubbish off site. There are no longer recycling facilities on site so any recyclable rubbish you produce needs to be taken by you to be recycled, the nearest recycling point is at Tesco in the town centre, Bridgend.
Noise - Please be respectful and considerate of other people on the site, we like things to quieten down by 9:30pm which is the time that we like children to be with their parents or guardians.
Vehicles - All Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and only used when entering or leaving the site along the main entry/exit road.
Animals/Pets - The site owners have a no pets policy for campers.
Children
The BushMoot is very child friendly. The woods and dunes are great to play in – if they’re not playing with new friends at the Fort or Pirate Ship.
All Children are always the responsibility of their parents or guardian.
Knives and edged tools should not be carried by anyone under the age of 16 unless they are with their parent or guardian. Any un-chaperoned youth or children under 16 years old will have the knife or edged tool confiscated.
After 9:30pm all children need to be with their parents or guardians, it's getting dark around this time and to make sure the kids are safe they should be with those responsible for them. It's also considerate for others camping on the site if noise can be kept low from this time onwards.
Safe environment - The site is a great place for kids to play and have fun, it's secluded and the only people on site are those attending the Moot. There's sand and woods to play in and all the children that have attended the Moot love being there.
We have a knife safety workshop specially aimed at children to help you educate them, the responsibility is yours if you let them use a knife or any other edged tool.
You need to make sure that your children are acting responsibly and playing safe, pointy sticks etc are fine around your camp but not when they're waved at other kids so please make sure your children understand this.
The key to their safety is that you know where they are and what they're doing.
Lost children will be taken to the reception area if needed. It's a good idea with the younger ones to have their names on them somewhere and something so that we can identify parents.
Don't worry, it really doesn't happen very often.
Workshops - Any workshops put on for children need their parents with them while attending. We do not have any workshops where the instructors take on responsibility for the children. Therefore if there's not a parent or guardian available at this time then the child cannot attend the workshop.
It's worth reading this thread on Bushcraft UK
Mobile phone reception?
On site you will have no mobile phone reception. To get any, you’re advised to go up the road to get some decent signal. Though on occassion you might get some near the toilet / showerblock, albeit very weak.
More information about the Site
Our base camp is fully equipped with running water, clean and tidy Male and Female toilet/shower blocks and a purpose built lecture building for when indoor lectures are appropriate.
The estate has an incredibly varied mixture of terrain with:
300 acres of forest including broad leaf coppice and ancient woodland
5 square kilometres of sand dunes (the second largest and highest in Europe )
4.5 kilometres of coastline (with the second largest tidal change in the world)
6 kilometres of river
An estuary
3 natural springs
2 castles
Numerous streams and ponds
The outstanding diversity of flora and fauna on this site has earned it no less than five designations.
* SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest
* NNR National Nature Reserve
* SPC Special Area of Conservation
* SAM scheduled ancient monument
* Heritage Coast
If you have any questions at all please contact us via our form with BushMoot in the subject.
Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you there.
Bushcraft UK team
Summer BushMoot guidelines.
The guidelines are here to maintain the safety and comfort of the whole site, please help us to have a safe, comfortable and happy experience at the Bushmoot by following these rules.
Arrival
• When arriving at the Moot please register as soon as possible and display your car permit in your car at all times.
• If arriving in the evening please keep the noise to a minimum when coming through the village and entering the site.
Safety
EVERY ATTENDEE WHO WILL BE USING AND CARRYING SHARP TOOLS WILL NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN FIRST AID KIT
• Limit potential injuries by being sensible.
• Under 16's cannot carry edged tools unless with parent or guardian.
• If in doubt ask.
• First aid point will be marked.
• Do not carry unsheathed tools.
• Do not run while carrying tools.
• Do not play with fire.
• Respect those around you.
• Alcohol has a direct affect on safety, do not use edged tools and drink.
Consideration for others
• Be considerate of others near you, you having a party or making a lot of noise might not be nice for your neighbour.
• Never touch/use someone else’s tools or equipment without permission.
• Do not walk through others camping areas.
• Do not set up your camp across footpaths and access routes (especially guy lines)
• If you see litter pick it up and keep your camping areas tidy.
Lost items
• Any lost items report to reception so we can ask everyone at the morning meetings.
• Found items please hand in at the reception.
Food / Self catering
• The Moot is a self catering event*
• Bridgend shops are just a couple of miles away from the site.
• There's often the opportunity to get a lift to the shop, mention it in the morning meetings
• Shopping park: CF31 3SQ with 24hour shop (Tesco) and Lidl etc
• We have a communal meal where those that wish to bring a pot of food for the table. 5th August 2019
*There is a Meal available from 6-8pm on the 2nd August and a breakfast on the 5th 8:45 - 9:30am, you can reserve your place and meal through the ticket shop here.
Tools
• Axes, knives and any other tools should always be kept safe.
• Never touch/use someone else’s tools without permission.
• Learn how to use a tool before you hurt yourself or someone else by misusing it.
• Only use tools in the appropriate places at the appropriate times.
• Anyone acting in a dangerous manner will be asked to leave the site.
• Youth should not carry or use edged tools except when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Children
• Children are the responsibility of the parents.
• Please do not allow your child to use edged tools unattended.
• When around fires children should be accompanied at all times.
• All children should be with parents/guardian by 9:30 in the evening because of safety (it's getting dark then) and noise (consideration for others)
Fires
• Only to be lit on sandy ground.
• Keep them small and appropriate to use.
• Do not leave unattended.
• Keep water handy.
• Extinguish properly.
• Tidy away completely – Do not leave any trace.
• If in doubt, ask.
Site / Rubbish
• Keep the site clean by picking up any litter that you make or see. Black bags will be available. (clear up after yourselves is a must)
• Recycling should be removed by you from site (Tesco is the nearest recycling point)
• Mixed rubbish should be in black bags or if possible burned on your fires (cardboard etc)
• No dogs or animals are allowed on site.
• Parking should be in specified areas.
• Evenings – people on site should be mindful of others and keep noise down so that others are not disturbed (naughty corner included).
• Keep drinking to evenings after all activities have stopped, do not become loud, rowdy or troublesome, be considerate at all times.
Pets
• Campers are not allowed pets on the site (site owners policy). Sometimes animals are used in workshops or demonstrations with special permission.
Workshops
• Have respect for instructors, their tools and their time.
• If you have a specific interest in a subject, ask if anyone can accommodate you.
• If you would like to share a skill, run a workshop or gather people for an activity please let the staff know, speak up. Sharing is what it’s all about.
• Workshops are based on a best effort basis, sometimes they get changed or do not happen.
Some examples of previous workshops are: Flintknapping, knife making, shelters, canoeing, carving, foraging, cooking, bow making, sharpening, tracking, fungi ID, forging, hangi, friction firelighting, knife safety, fires, tinders, tarp use, birch bark, leatherwork, axe use, natural medicines and more including workshops for the youth and more.
Bring & Buy
• A great opportunity to sell on gear that you no longer need and find the gear you do.
• Run by BushMoot staff.
• Available to all attendees that want to sell their own stuff or items they have made.
• 10% of money taken goes to the BushMoot organisers.
• All items should be priced before putting on the tables, tags will be provided.
• Please sell appropriate items, we're at the BushMoot, rather than a car boot sale.
• Any questions ask at reception.
• If you have a commercial interest please contact us to discuss trading.
Below is the location of the BushMoot down the south end of Merthyr Mawr Rd, that runs from Bridgend through Merthyr Mawr to Candleston Castle
Site info
The estate has an incredibly varied mixture of terrain with: 300 acres of forest including broad leaf coppice and ancient woodland, 5 square kilometres of sand dunes (the second largest and highest in Europe), 4.5 kilometres of coastline (with the second largest tidal change in the world), 6 kilometres of river, an estuary, 3 natural springs, 2 castles, numerous streams and pond.
The layout of the Moot site showing paths through the woods and main areas
Transport, how do I get there?
Where is it?
Post Code - CF320LS
Grid Ref: SS 872 773, Bridgend (UK)
The BushMoot is at Merthyr Mawr, near Bridgend (Wales).
Take the M4 to Junction 35.
At junction 35 take the A473 towards Bridgend.
At the 3rd roundabout go straight over, heading Northbound on the A48.
At the 2nd roundabout turn left onto the B4265, sign posted to Ogmore-by-Sea.
Take the next proper right hand turn sign posted to Merthyr Mawr.
Take next proper left hand turn again sign posted to Merthyr Mawr.
Follow the road into Merthyr Mawr village and at the junction in the village stay to the right.
Follow the road out of village until it ends in a car park.
At the entrance to the car park go through the left hand gate (it may be shut – if so just open it, and close it again behind you) into the forested area.
Drive along the left hand track until you reach the event parking area. Halfway you might come across 1 or 2 BushMoot Staff. They’ll point you where to park your car.
They also might tick your name on a list, or show you the Reception for check-in.
Car Parking
Please park your car at the car park only or at designated spots along the road. Please follow any pointers from the BushMoot Staff. Keep road and entrances clear from obstruction.
Also note, you can’t take your car upto your camping spot, even if your car is suited for off road driving.
Bus & Train Stations
The nearest bus and Train Station is located in Bridgend.
Airports
The nearest airport is Cardiff Int’l Airport (CWL).
Airlines flying to and from CWL:
Air Lingus, Air Southwest, BMIBaby, Eastern Airways, Flybe, Fly Thomas Cook, KLM, Manx2, Thomson Airways
Click here for destinations to / from CWL
Taxi
There is a cab office within 100 metres of Bridgend station. Alternatively, try:
Allwhite Taxis: 01656 660155
Cresta Cabs: 01656 767571
Radio Cars: 01656 655766
K Cabs: 01656 655233
Please note, due to the lack of mobile phone reception (and lack of payphone or landline) and in case you need a taxi back to the station at the end of the BushMoot, remember to book it in advance.
Photo Gallery
Workshops that help teach skills
One of the main activities at the Moot are the workshops put on by volunteers and attended by anyone at no extra cost
Social, old friends and new friends.
Relax...
There's plenty to do at the Moot from just kicking back and taking in the beautiful area to trips down the beach.
A short video put together by our friends at Natural Bushcraft
Monday 5th is the trader day at the Moot, if you wish to come and trade at the Moot then please contact us to make arrangements.
The Trader day is when anyone attending the Moot or a commercial company can come and set up a stall to sell items to the public (those attending the Moot and any visitors...)
We generally charge 10% of takings for having a stall at the Moot, alternatively contact us to discuss your requirements.