Find a likely looking spot with a few decent branches and an afternoon’s fun beckons
1 Find somewhere with plentiful natural debris (dead leaves, pine needles, ferns, bark, grasses). Avoid areas with water or where you can see animal tracks running through.
2 Build facing downwards, using a long branch as a ridge pole. Prop one end into the crook of a tree (or create a support from branches). Slope the pole downwards diagonally, propping the other end onto a stone.
3 Add ‘rib’ branches coming off your ridge pole. Use twigs to create a lattice. Don’t forget to leave a way in.
4 Layer inside with your debris (the driest and softest stuff) – leaving enough space to just be able to lay inside. If you twist handfuls of bracken before placing them they’ll have more staying power.
5 Cover outer framework with more layers of natural debris, until at least 60cm thick.
6 Once you’re inside, fill the doorway by pulling in more debris. Sleep well!
This how to was featured in this month’s March miscellany. The issue is on sale now if you’d like to read more.
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