England's forests: How to build the perfect den
Is there anything as snug as your own forest den? Or as fun as building it in the first place? After all, den-building is a wonderfully inclusive activity, guaranteed to enhance children's problem solving, spacial awareness, team co-operation and leadership skills. Touch wood.
Form the basic structure
Step 1 Identify your "base tree". The ground beneath it should be relatively flat (comfy for sitting), and the tree itself should have a thick branch that is just the right height for securing your building branches against.
Step 2 Find three long "base branches" to form the basic lean-to shape. If they have thin branches coming off them, so much the better; these will act as cover and be easy to weave other branches into. Wedge the tops of these long branches into the fork of the tree, making sure they are good and steady.
Step 3 Place a series of short, heavy logs in a semi-circle around the edge of your new den. These should prevent any of the lean-to branches sliding away and hitting occupants on the head!
Step 4 To work out which side your door should be, check which way the wind is blowing by licking your finger and holding it up. The cold side is where the wind is coming from, so your doorway should face the opposite way.
Step 5 Gather more long branches and lean them up between the base branches, creating a snug space around half of the tree trunk. Then weave thinner branches (ideally with leaves to act as cover) between the "walls", and stuff more leaves into the gaps to make your shelter wind-resistant.
(Still with us? If not, you could also check out Forest Holidays' how-to guide.)
Customise your den
Step 1 Draught-proofing. Sweep out the floor inside and cover it with a picnic rug to warm things up a bit. If you've got a large cardigan handy, perhaps you can use that as a door covering? Leaves or hay also make great draught-breakers in the bottoms of the walls.
Step 2 Entrance. Look out for man-made items such as a tyre, which could make for a grand doorway. A few large stones can create a nice doorstep. Try a glass jar with pebbles as an improvised doorbell.
Step 3 Layers of moss can soften edges and give a lovely ancient feel to your den. If you're in a coniferous forest, fallen pine cones are a must; you could also create a pine-cone path to your front door.
Stock up!
You will need food supplies, obviously – what good is a den otherwise? Bring along a Tupperware box of Robin Hood cupcakes (Robin Hood ate nothing but cupcakes; it's a well-known fact) or a stack of sandwiches, but don't forget to take your rubbish away with you afterwards.
forestry.gov.uk/naturedetectives