Bushcraft Activities To Do In The Spring

Spring is a time of transformation. As the last traces of winter melt away, the world comes alive with fresh greenery, flowing water, and active wildlife. For bushcrafters, this season presents unique opportunities to work with nature’s cycles. The warmer temperatures and longer days make outdoor survival skills easier to practice, while the abundance of plants, water, and natural materials provides an excellent chance to hone key bushcraft techniques.

Unlike summer, where heat and dehydration can be concerns, or winter, where cold demands constant fire and shelter management, spring offers a balanced climate. However, it does come with challenges—such as damp wood for fire-starting, unpredictable weather, and muddy terrain—that require adaptation.

If you want to make the most of this season, here are some of the best bushcraft activities to try in spring, all tailored to the unique characteristics of this time of year.

Foraging for Spring Edibles and Medicinal Plants

One of the greatest benefits of spring bushcraft is the sheer abundance of fresh, wild foods. Many plants are at their most nutritious in early spring, offering tender leaves, shoots, and flowers that can be used for both food and medicine. Since competition from animals is still low, foragers can take advantage of these seasonal offerings.

Edible Plants to Look For:

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) – Found in damp woodlands, its leaves have a strong garlic flavor and are great for cooking.

Nettles (Urtica dioica) – High in iron and vitamins, nettles can be boiled into a nutritious tea or used in soups.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Young leaves are great in salads, while the flowers can be used to make syrup or wine.

Chickweed (Stellaria media) – A mild, nutrient-rich green that can be eaten raw.

Morel Mushrooms (Morchella spp.) – A delicious spring fungus, but proper identification is crucial to avoid toxic lookalikes.

Medicinal Plants to Gather:

Plantain (Plantago spp.) – Helps soothe insect bites and minor wounds.

Willow Bark – Contains salicin, a natural pain reliever similar to aspirin.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) – Can be brewed into a tea that acts as a natural detoxifier.

Foraging in spring also means taking advantage of tree saps, like birch and maple, which provide a naturally sweet and hydrating drink. These saps can be collected by making a small incision in the tree bark and allowing the liquid to drip into a container.

Water Collection and Purification from Spring Rains and Meltwater

With spring comes an abundance of water from melting snow, increased rainfall, and overflowing rivers. This makes it an excellent time to practice different methods of water collection and purification.

Ways to Collect Spring Water:

Rainwater Catchment – Use tarps, large leaves, or hollowed-out logs to collect fresh rainwater.

Tree Tapping – Harvest nutrient-rich birch or maple sap for drinking.

Rock and Leaf Drip Collection – Rain often pools on large rocks or leaves, providing small but drinkable amounts of water.

However, despite the availability of water, purification is still essential. The spring thaw can wash contaminants into streams and lakes, making even seemingly clean water unsafe to drink.

Purification Methods to Practice:

Boiling – The most effective way to kill bacteria and parasites.

Charcoal Filtration – Creating a natural filter using layers of sand, charcoal, and gravel.

Solar Disinfection (SODIS) – Placing water in a clear plastic bottle and leaving it in the sun for six hours.

Chemical Treatment – Using iodine or water purification tablets for fast sterilization.

Mastering these skills in spring ensures access to clean drinking water in any season.

Building Spring-Weather Shelters

While spring temperatures are generally mild, the season is known for unpredictable weather, including sudden rain showers and chilly nights. This makes proper shelter-building a crucial bushcraft skill during this time of year.

Shelters Suitable for Spring:

A-Frame Shelter – Provides good rain protection and wind resistance.

Lean-To Shelter – Quick to build and ideal for short-term stays.

Debris Hut – Uses leaves and branches for insulation, keeping you warm on cold spring nights.

Tarp Shelter – A fast and effective waterproof option for wet conditions.

Since the ground is often damp in spring, elevated sleeping areas (like a raised bed made from logs and branches) can prevent heat loss and keep you dry. Adding a layer of dry leaves or moss as insulation beneath your bedding will further improve warmth and comfort.

Fire-Making in Wet Conditions

Spring’s damp conditions can make fire-starting more difficult, especially if all available wood is soaked from rain. This is the perfect season to practice fire-making in challenging environments.

Best Fire-Starting Techniques for Spring:

Flint and Steel – Produces reliable sparks, even when damp.

Ferro Rods – Works well in wet conditions by generating extremely hot sparks.

Bow Drill – A primitive skill worth mastering, though it requires dry wood.

Char Cloth and Natural Tinder – Preparing char cloth in advance ensures an easy fire-starting method in wet conditions.

Dry Tinder Sources to Look For:

Birch Bark – Naturally waterproof and burns even when wet.

Pine Resin – Highly flammable and great for getting damp wood to ignite.

Cattail Fluff – Catches sparks easily and makes excellent tinder.

Another good practice for spring fire-making is building a fire reflector, which is a simple wall of logs or stones behind the fire that radiates heat toward you, keeping you warm on cool spring nights.

Tracking and Observing Spring Wildlife

Spring marks the return of many animals from hibernation, as well as the migration of birds back to their breeding grounds. This makes it a great time to practice animal tracking and nature observation.

Key Signs to Look For:

Tracks in Mud or Soft Soil – Spring’s wet ground makes it easy to identify footprints.

Shed Antlers – Deer and elk shed their antlers in early spring, providing a useful resource for tools.

Bird Calls – Learning to recognize seasonal bird songs helps with navigation and wildlife awareness.

Animal Trails – Well-worn paths indicate frequently traveled routes, useful for trapping and hunting.

Observing wildlife behaviors in spring provides insight into food sources, predator movements, and changes in the ecosystem, all of which are valuable for survivalists and bushcrafters.

Embracing the Bushcraft Opportunities of Spring

Spring is a season full of learning opportunities for bushcrafters. From foraging for fresh greens and harvesting tree sap to building waterproof shelters and navigating muddy landscapes, this time of year presents unique challenges and rewards. Practicing these skills now ensures better preparation for the more extreme conditions of summer and winter.

With its mild weather and abundant resources, spring is the perfect time to step into the wild, sharpen your bushcraft abilities, and embrace the changing rhythms of nature. So grab your gear, head out into the forest, and make the most of what the season has to offer!