In a keynote presentation at the 2019 Global Bushcraft Symposium, Dr. Lisa Fenton, Lecturer in Outdoor Studies at the University of Cumbria, delved into the complexities surrounding the history and evolution of bushcraft. Drawing from her own experiences and doctoral research, Dr. Fenton’s presentation titled “Bashing Heads: Bushcraft Skills & Contexts” explored how bushcraft as a concept has transformed over time, shaped by various historical, cultural, and academic threads.
Historical Roots of Bushcraft
Dr Fenton asserts that the roots of bushcraft lie within three primary knowledge domains: indigenous knowledge, military survival training, and wilderness recreation. These domains have intersected and influenced each other over centuries, beginning with early European exploration and colonisation. This necessitated learning survival skills from indigenous peoples. As European explorers ventured into unfamiliar territories, they often encountered ndigenous communities, whose knowledge of the land was essential for survival. This exchange of skills led to hybrid knowledge domains, where western and indigenous survival techniques fused.
The term “bushcraft” itself emerged from these interactions, particularly in colonial contexts like Australia, where “bush”, or “the bush”, referred to wild land beyond settled areas. Early explorers relied on indigenous knowledge to navigate these unknown landscapes, and this eventually codified into what we now recognise as bushcraft.
Bushcraft’s Transition into Modern Practice
Dr Fenton states bushcraft, as a modern concept, only emerged during the Enlightenment. Before this period, many of the skills now associated with bushcraft were simply part of daily life, especially in frontier and colonial contexts. The British, French, and other European powers were driven by exploration and the need for resources. This led them to adopt survival skills from indigenous populations around the world.
In North America, the fur trade and frontier life further developed these hybrid survival skills. Terms like “scout,” “mountain man,” and “woodsman” became common as Europeans adapted to the wilderness, often using indigenous knowledge to thrive in these environments. Over time, these skills were passed down, evolving into recreational and educational pursuits in the 20th century.
The Role of Bushcraft in Recreation and Education
As the frontiers closed and the need for survival skills diminished, bushcraft transitioned into a form of recreation and education. Dr. Fenton highlighted how figures like Ernest Thompson Seton and Lord Baden-Powell played crucial roles in popularising woodcraft and scouting, which eventually became part of youth education movements. These skills, once essential for survival, were now taught as recreational pastimes, fostering a deep connection to nature and outdoor learning.
In the UK, this shift has been particularly significant, with the rise of Forest Schools and outdoor education programs. Fenton emphasised that bushcraft, in its modern form, is not just about wilderness survival but also about reconnecting with nature in an increasingly urbanised world. This is particularly relevant in the UK, where large tracts of wilderness no longer exist, and much of the population lives in urban areas.
Bushcraft in Academia
Dr. Fenton’s own academic journey reflects bushcraft’s growing recognition as a legitimate field of study. After years of practical experience teaching bushcraft, she pursued a PhD in anthropology. She focused on the relationship between bushcraft and indigenous knowledge.
Download Dr Lisa Fenton’s PhD thesis here: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/57815/
Listen to a conversation I had with Dr Fenton on my podcast via the link below….
Paul Kirtley Podcast 016: Lisa Fenton on Bushcraft and Indigenous Knowledge Transmissions
Dr Fenton’s research has contributed to the academic validation of bushcraft as an area of study. She has since created a Postgraduate MA Bushcraft pathway, offered by the University of Cumbria, Institute for Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies. Lisa has further published several scholarly papers concerning bushcraft as radical education, and bushcraft and its relationship to rewilding.
The Ethical and Philosophical Dimensions of Bushcraft
Within her presentation of the history and evolution of bushcraft, a key theme in Dr Fenton’s talk was the philosophical and ethical dimensions of bushcraft. She argued that bushcraft fosters a relationship with the natural world that is deeply physical, hands-on, and transformative. This contrasts with the “Leave No Trace” philosophy, which, while helpful for conservation, often leads to a more distant, insulated relationship with nature. Bushcraft, on the other hand, encourages active engagement with the environment. It promotes skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and foraging that foster a deeper connection to the land.
Dr Fenton also touched on the ethical complexities of bushcraft’s historical roots, acknowledging its connections to colonialism and military survival training. However, she stressed that modern bushcraft, particularly as practiced in educational and recreational settings, is more about fostering sustainable relationships with nature and promoting personal growth.
Bushcraft and Personal Development
Dr Fenton concluded by discussing bushcraft’s personal and societal benefits. Many of the people she surveyed during her PhD research reported that learning bushcraft skills made them feel more connected to their ancestors and to the natural world. These skills, they felt, were not just about survival but about developing patience, humility, and self-reliance.
In an increasingly disconnected world, bushcraft offers a way to rebuild our relationship with nature. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, helping individuals develop confidence and identity.
Fenton noted that bushcraft is being used more and more in therapeutic settings, from working with disadvantaged youth to helping people with addictions. The sense of achievement that comes from mastering these skills, she argued, can be profoundly empowering.
Watch Dr Fenton’s Full “Bashing Heads” Presentation
A recording of Dr Fenton’s presentation outlining the history and evolution of bushcraft is embedded below.
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