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Gather around at The Croft for Winter Lanterns with Bushcraft Bairns — a family-friendly, nature-based lantern-making workshop in Crieff. Craft with local materials, enjoy a hot drink, and end with a torchlit procession at dusk.
Gather around at The Croft for Winter Lanterns with Bushcraft Bairns — a family-friendly, nature-based lantern-making workshop in Crieff. Craft with local materials, enjoy a hot drink, and end with a torchlit procession at dusk.
Book with Bushcraft Bairns
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Operated by Bushcraft Bairns · Crieff, Scotland
On a cold December afternoon in Crieff, Scotland, The Croft fills with small flames and laughter as Bushcraft Bairns leads Winter Lanterns, a hands-on workshop that marks the start of Advent. Set on a sheltered patch of mixed woodland and grassy croftland just outside town, this 90-minute experience teaches families and friends how to build simple, nature-inspired lanterns using willow, bark, moss and waterproof paper. You don’t need prior craft skills—volunteer instructors guide every step, from frame-building to finishing touches, then everyone walks a short, torchlit procession back to the cars to see their creations glow in the dark. What makes this event special is its combination of practical bushcraft and communal ritual. The Croft is a local outdoor space used for education and small gatherings; here seasonal light, local wood species (willow and birch are commonly used), and the slow rhythm of the landscape become part of the lesson. The lantern-making highlights local materials and low-impact techniques, so you leave with something beautiful and a sharper appreciation for working with what grows nearby. The workshop includes a hot drink and all resources; attendees are asked to bring a mug. This is a family-friendly, accessible event—stroller- and wheelchair-accessible ground and an age range that starts at 3 years—so it’s ideal for grandparents, toddlers, and anyone who likes making things outdoors. The group-size cap keeps the session intimate (about 15), which fosters learning and conversation. Because the walk concludes at twilight, layering and a good pair of boots make the evening comfortable. Weather can be brisk; instructors will adapt the session if rain arrives. Beyond the craft, the Winter Lanterns night is a chance to see the landscape in a quieter register: bare-branched trees, the pale Scottish winter sky, and the small nocturnal movements of birds and mammals. It's a gentle outdoor ritual that connects participants to seasonal rhythms without needing long hikes or technical equipment. For travelers staying in Crieff, this workshop is an approachable way to spend an afternoon and meet local outdoor educators. Whether you come for a single evening or to add a seasonally minded activity to a longer trip, the Winter Lanterns event offers warmth, creativity, and a modestly magical way to mark the turning of the year. Sessions run from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm, making the timing ideal for winter light and the procession at dusk. Check-in details are provided closer to the date and the group meets at The Croft; the evening finishes with a short walk back to vehicles after lighting. Minimum age is 3 and the session is capped at 15 participants, so book early if you want a spot. The event is run by Bushcraft Bairns; cancellations follow a 24-hour policy.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Light—suitable for families, minimal walking and standing for short stretches
Minimum age is 3 years; activities are adapted for young children with adult supervision.
Yes—The Croft session is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible on prepared ground.
The session includes a hot drink and all crafting resources; you should bring a mug.
Instructors will adapt the session for light rain with covered areas; severe weather may trigger the 24-hour cancellation policy.
Groups are capped at about 15 participants to keep the session intimate and hands-on.
Meeting point details are confirmed closer to the date; the group meets at The Croft for the workshop.
This seasonal lantern workshop draws on Advent traditions of light and local community gatherings at The Croft.
Workshops emphasize low-impact materials and Leave No Trace principles; attendees are encouraged to use local, sustainable components and carry out any waste.
Bushcraft Bairns is a Crieff, Scotland-based outdoor education provider focused on nature-based learning for children and home-educating families. The organisation runs year-round woodland programmes that combine practical bushcraft skills, creative play and social development in a safe, supervised outdoor setting. Forest Fridays offers a programme specifically designed for home-educating families, where children explore the woods, develop practical outdoor skills, and form friendships while learning independence and resilience. Forest School Play focuses on free play and guided discovery; children are encouraged to follow curiosity, build social skills and deepen emotional connection to nature under the guidance of skilled mentors. All activities take place in woodland near Crieff, using locally appropriate techniques and age-appropriate challenges. Sessions emphasise safety, child-led exploration, and inclusive group dynamics. Staff apply bushcraft principles to teach tool awareness, shelter building, fire safety education and natural crafts at developmentally appropriate levels, with a strong emphasis on observation and learning through play. Bushcraft Bairns maintains clear communication with parents and carers about session plans, clothing and equipment to ensure families arrive prepared. The programmes support cognitive, social and physical development through hands-on outdoor experiences and community values. Bushcraft Bairns positions itself as a trusted local resource for families seeking regular, structured outdoor learning and play in Crieff and surrounding areas, combining professional guidance with the proven benefits of nature-based education. Timetables adapt to seasonal conditions and activities celebrate seasonal changes in the woodland. The focus remains on hands-on, observational learning that connects children to local flora and fauna and families.
Book with Bushcraft Bairns