events at hardcastle crags hebden bridge

Live Wild run a varied programme of  nature-connection events at National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags, one of Calderdale’s most beautiful, wild locations.

Bushcraft and Survival Day - Saturday 20th June

Join us for an immersive introduction to the world of bushcraft, led by qualified Bushcraft Instructors Leonie and Thryn. Take home a range of new skills that will help to keep you comfortable and safe when out and about in the wilds. The day includes:

An introduction to fire: try your hand at ancestral fire lighting techniques including fire by friction, creating sparks using strikers, and making your own fire starters.
Natural Shelter building: Learn how to make a sturdy, protective shelter using materials found in the woodland.
Water harvesting and purification: At the heart of wild survival, water harvesting and purification are essential skills that can be potentially life saving. You’ll learn the basic principles of collecting and preparing water.
Natural navigation: What clues and signs can help you to navigate in the woodland? You’ll be introduced to some natural navigation basics to help you find your way.
Introduction to axes and tools: Learn how to safely and effectively use essential hand tools for camp and fire craft, including axe and bushcraft knife.

*Suitable for adults and young people age 12+ (all persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Foraging Taster Sessions

Join Live Wild foraging expert, Leonie, for a fun and informative foray into the practice of foraging. Your Taster Session includes:

– A general introduction to foraging, including how to forage safely and within the law

– An understanding of the season, and what wild edibles to look for 
– How to confidently identify a range of common edibles 
– Tips on how to sustainably harvest and process wild foods
– A selection of seasonal wild food tasters, pre-prepared by Leonie

*Suitable for adults and young people age 12+ (all persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Bushcraft Taster Sessions

During a Bushcraft Taster Session you will be introduced to one of a range of core bushcraft skill-sets, from fire making and shelter construction to using hand tools and carving wood. Join our expert Bushcraft Instructors, Leonie and Thryn, for a practical, hands-on experience at the beautiful Hardcastle Crags.

*Suitable for adults and young people age 12+ except those events where age 8+ tickets are also available (all persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Nature Queers

Our regular Nature Queers events take place at National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout 2026. Join us to connect to nature, self and LGBTQ+ community, and learn a range of practical outdoor skills in a playful and supportive environment.

Visit the Nature Queers page for further information on session themes, dates, and booking.

Live Wild and the National Trust

Live Wild passionately support the work National Trust are doing at Hardcastle Crags and we could not be more delighted to be running events at this special local venue. We believe that access to nature is crucial for healthy minds, bodies and communities, and we will undoubtedly reach more people and increase access to nature thanks to this opportunity.

Respecting and caring for the land is also at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to introducing groups to the special habitats at Hardcastle Crags, and continuing to foster respectful relationships with the natural world that can last a lifetime.