Natural Shelter

 

Whenever we can we should look ahead and be prepared by taking with us the equipment we would need in an emergency. However, on the very odd occasion, even if this is only once in a lifetime, we may need to build a shelter out of what there is in the area around us. This post attempts to show how this can be done, even though it may not be 100% watertight.

Shown here is the front of a survival shelter built around a fallen tree (from the storm of 1987); this I will go through with you now.

The top of the shelter is made using around 3" to 4 " logs placed in parallel over cross-pieces.

The back is that of the fallen tree blown down in the storm. The sides are also made with logs and covered with leaves and evergreen cuttings, both of which help to keep out the wind and rain.

The front of the shelter has a hole through which you crawl inside; this has enough room for one person to sleep in. 

It is wise to practice making shelters like this because you might one day have to make something to shelter in when an emergency comes. Try to work out a plan of the build before you start.

PLEASE NOTE - We see so many 'natural shelters' built around woodlands these days, mostly no doubt children having fun, but some of which are downright dangerous. Using 6 inch diameter logs or above is rather stupid unless they have been freshly cut, and even then no recommended. Used here are no more than 3 - 4 inch logs because they are dead-wood and safely stacked. As 'survival' has become more commercialised we get so many trying to build them, most of which would be less efficient than sleeping under a sieve! This one was used later and was waterproof.