Things To Do

Wilderness Pioneers

11, Eaton, Abingdon, OX13 5PR, GB

Rating: 5.0 ★ (22 ratings)

Details

Nestled at 11 Eaton in Abingdon, Wilderness Pioneers offers a genuine opportunity to learn practical bushcraft and survival skills. Their courses, designed for various abilities and ages, are all about hands-on learning in a relaxed and enjoyable woodland setting. Whether you're interested in a one-day introduction covering essentials like fire lighting and backwoods cooking, or a more in-depth exploration of foraging for wild foods in ancient woodlands and hedgerows, their experienced instructors are there to share their extensive knowledge. You'll gain a greater understanding and confidence in the natural world, all while enjoying the fresh air and the company of fellow learners at their covered base camp, complete with a fire and hot drinks.

The team at Wilderness Pioneers ensures that learning these valuable skills is both educational and fun, guiding participants through each step. Even if the weather presents a challenge, the courses typically run, offering a more robust experience that builds true confidence for future adventures. While a general level of fitness is beneficial for activities like walking on uneven ground, the primary focus is on skill acquisition and appreciating the outdoors. From half-day foraging sessions to more comprehensive bushcraft experiences, these courses provide a unique way to connect with nature and learn age-old techniques right in the heart of Oxfordshire.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact

+44 7527 265330

Comments

Laura C
18 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Went on the spring foraging walk as a newbie forager, and it was a fantastic experience. Manse was very knowledgeable and we covered more than 20 species (and ate about half of them) in a beautiful woodland, with a couple of lovely dogs. When I got home, I checked the back garden and there are 5, possibly 6 plants I could be making use of out there without having to go anywhere at all. Wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone interested in learning to forage!
Robert Edwards
11 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
An excellent introduction to foraging. A genuinely eyeopening experience learning about the properties, uses, and surprising amount of nutrients found in the many trees and plants that we would otherwise overlook or cull from our gardens. Mance is an extremely knowledgeable and engaging guide who makes foraging easily digestible, explaining terminology accessibly, pacing things well for detailed note taking and photographs along the way. There are lots of books out there on foraging, but it makes a real difference having a guide to show you what to look out for. We came away eager to learn more (we will definitely be signing up for the autumn foraging session) and felt rejuvenated for the walk in such a lovely woodland. The booking process was easy. Mance was quick to respond to questions and kindly sent out a beautifully presented gift voucher for our foraging session. We’re already booked on the bushcraft course this summer!
Ollie
17 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Booked with Wilderness Pioneers for a stag weekend and was thoroughly impressed. The woodland and setup is outstanding and the activities were great fun for us all. Manse was a great group leader, very accommodating and flexible towards our needs and interests!

Thank you!
Nicola Robertson Price
15 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
My husband and I really enjoyed the Deer in a Day course yesterday. It is so important to properly understand why such a beautiful animal has to be culled and to fully appreciate and respect it. Both Manse and Rob are extremely knowledgeable and it was a joy to learn so much from them.
Biological Physics Group
13 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Took the half-day autumn foraging walk which was really great, and very different from just reading books or watching youtube videos. My highlights were eating the berry flesh from the Yew tree, the "tree of death" (without the seeds!), or chewing the bark of the crack willow, which is where aspirin comes from and which also can be used as a emergency wilderness tooth brush. Amazing!

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