Using a shelter above a fire
Points to consider before placing a shelter above an outdoor fire area.
Read More about Using a shelter above a fireShelter building & fixing guides
Creating shelter for your Forest School, outdoor play & learning groups is key - everyone, from Early Years to adults, needs to be able to keep warm and dry.
Our step-by-step guides will help you get your shelters off the ground.
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Large shelters
An introduction to large shelters - with suggestions for choosing, using & maintaining a large group shelter.
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Shelters: fixed line system
Learn how to set up a fixed line system between 2 points, enabling quick, efficient pitching with reduced tree damage ideal in outdoor learning and Forest School settings.
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Shelters: fixing guy ropes
Tips and ideas to tie out your shelter to trees, including semi-permanent fixing points
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Shelters: throwing a rope over a high branch
A high branch is very handy for raising a shelter, a pulley line or anything else. Here are some ideas for making it an efficient and successful process.
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Securing a tarp using natural materials
A selection of techniques utilising natural materials to secure tarps, shelters and sheets.
Read More about Securing a tarp using natural materialsShelters & fixings in the Muddy Faces shop
Shelter kit in the Muddy Faces shop
Our outdoor experts have gathered all the resources you could need for creating shelters both on hard ground and in woodland areas.
We have kits ready-to-go or create your own piece-by-piece.
Read More about Shelter kit in the Muddy Faces shopSee also
Dens & den building
This section is full of den building information; including den building guides and activity ideas.
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Free den building guide
Free to download, created by Muddy Faces. An excellent (though we say so ourselves!) and extensive practical guide to indoor and woodland den building.
Read More about Free den building guide
Knot - square lashing
A handy knot – particularly useful for natural frames, den & raft building.
Read More about Knot - square lashing
INSPIRATIONS - tarpaulin dens
Simple tarpaulin den-building ideas showing how to create quick shelters using tarps and ropes, suitable for outdoor learning, Forest School and all-weather play.
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INSPIRATIONS - dens with branches
Learn how to build woodland dens using branches, with simple centrally-supported shelter ideas to develop practical outdoor skills in Forest School and outdoor learning settings.
Read More about INSPIRATIONS - dens with branches
Useful websites: shelters & yurts
Websites, blogs and forums offering tips, techniques and information on shelter making and/or yurts.
Read More about Useful websites: shelters & yurts