What a brilliant weekend it was—possibly the best one yet.
The RV began in 2007 with just a handful of participants. This year around 200 people attended, a wonderful increase that brought a lively and friendly atmosphere to the woods.
The event is organised by Footsteps of Discovery, a local woodland school specialising in survival and bushcraft. Their team runs the weekend with warmth and expertise, offering a range of hands-on activities for all ages and abilities.
Throughout the weekend there are numerous practical workshops: basketry, wild medicine and foraging walks, wood carving, leatherwork, knot-tying and more. Each session gives people a chance to learn traditional skills and to make something they can take home.
Jonny had his pole lathe set up and ran demonstrations that attracted a steady crowd. Watching the transformation from raw timber to a finished piece on a simple lathe is always satisfying and inspires many to try their hand at green woodworking.
The beer tent was a popular meeting spot where people relaxed, swapped stories, and enjoyed the relaxed festival atmosphere.
One highlight was KP, an instructor who cooked a whole deer on an Argentinian-style spit. The meat had a beautifully crisp exterior and remained tender and juicy inside—truly delicious and a real crowd-pleaser.
Most people camped in hammocks or tents scattered across the event’s 100 acres of woodland. The setting is peaceful, and the mix of campfires, lantern light and quiet trails makes for a restorative escape from everyday life.
I don’t need much of an excuse to bring out my vintage caravan. It’s cosy, characterful and a real comfort when temperatures drop overnight.
A couple of nights were chilly with a sharp wind, so retreating to the caravan and turning on the gas heater for half an hour felt like pure bliss.
All in all, another memorable RV weekend has come and gone. If you’d like to join next Easter, check the Footsteps of Discovery website for details and dates. Hope to see you there!