The Lost Art of Bushcraft: Rediscovering Practical Skills in a Digital Age
By Neil Morgan, Managing Partner at MorganHR and Creator of SimplyMerit – Learn about essential bushcraft skills.
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Why Modern Convenience Is Eroding Our Confidence in Core Life Skills
When was the last time you sharpened a knife or built a fire—without lighter fluid? Many modern professionals, especially those in leadership roles, have mastered digital fluency but lost touch with the hands-on skills that once defined self-sufficiency. Yet learning and passing down basic “bushcraft” skills can do more than prep you for the outdoors—it can reignite curiosity, confidence, and a deeper sense of capability.
What Is Bushcraft and Why Does It Matter?
Bushcraft refers to the knowledge and skills used to thrive in nature, including fire building, knife sharpening, knot-tying, and sourcing materials from the wild. These aren’t just survivalist tactics; they’re confidence-builders, memory-makers, and skill sets that connect us with tangible accomplishment.
Bushcraft fosters:
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Self-reliance in unfamiliar or challenging situations
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Family bonding through hands-on learning
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Lifelong learning habits beyond the workplace
In an age where streaming services can teach nearly anything, reviving these lost arts is easier than ever. And for professionals feeling digitally overwhelmed, engaging with bushcraft can be a calming, gratifying counterbalance.
From Spark to Flame: Building the Perfect Bonfire
Bonfires are a centerpiece of outdoor enjoyment for many families. Yet, building one without synthetic starters is an art.
Here’s a simple framework:
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Tinder: Find dry bark—birch bark works best.
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Kindling: Layer in small twigs.
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Fuel: Top with thicker branches.
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Ignition: Use a Ferro rod to generate sparks naturally.
The result? A fire built entirely from your surroundings—no lighter fluid required. Beyond the technical skill, the experience is a perfect family moment and a satisfying return to basics.
Knife Skills: More Than a Sharp Edge
Adding a pocket knife to your Everyday Carry (EDC) can change how you interact with the world. Whether in the kitchen or around the campfire, a sharp blade simplifies tasks and boosts efficiency.
Pro tip: Use a whetstone and leather strop to keep blades honed to perfection. These tools offer a meditative experience that many find more satisfying than digital problem-solving.
Knot Tying: The Hidden Everyday Superpower
We often think knots are only for sailors or climbers, but a few well-learned knots go a long way in everyday life. From securing cargo to setting up gear at a campsite, the practical use cases are endless, for all bushcraft skills.
Favorite: Corporal’s Corner improvised trucker’s hitch—ideal for tightening loads or stringing a line between trees.
Start with these essentials:
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Square knot
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Bowline
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Trucker’s hitch
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Clove hitch
Rediscovering Skills Builds Character, Not Just Capability
As someone who came to bushcraft later in life, I’ve discovered that the joy isn’t just in the doing—it’s in the teaching. Passing these skills on to my children has been far more fulfilling than mastering them solo. These moments offer tangible learning, real connection, and confidence that can’t be clicked into with an app.