Our History

Woodcraft Folk has been running for over 95 years, it still bears a strong resemblance to the first groups that were set up in 1924-1925 in south London.

As Woodcraft Folk prepares for its centenary members, partners and other interested folk are encouraged to explore our first 90 years through our interactive archive on our Heritage Site.

Enjoy Woodcraft Folk’s story as it unfolds through film, oral histories and memorabilia. The story begins in 1925 with a group of young activists, with big ideas, and goes on to become a movement based on co-operation, peace and international friendship.

Engage with the archive, share your discoveries and memories to help others see how Woodcraft Folk’s aims and principles continue to shape our work with children and young people.

turn of 20th century

The first use of Woodcraft

The term 'Woodcraft' was used by the influential writer and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton at the turn of the twentieth century when setting up the American proto-scouting organisation Woodcraft Indians, and in this context it meant the skill of living in the open air, close to nature.

pre 1924

Kibbo Kift

Just after the First World War one of the leading figures in the Scouting movement broke away from what he considered to be its militaristic approach and formed the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift.

Kibbo Kift included people of all ages, not just youths, and was open to both sexes. John Hargrave, who founded it, believed the open-air life would help urban people build a new world peace.

1924

Secession from Kibbo Kift

But not all members agreed with Hargrave's leadership and in 1924, led by 19-year-old Leslie Paul, some co-operative groups from South London broke away and set up their own organisation, calling it The Woodcraft Folk. It had similarities to the Kibbo Kift, but gradually developed its own character and ethos.

1925

First Group founded

Leslie Paul sets up the first Woodcraft group, meeting at Holbeach Road School, Catford, South East London

1933

First 'Mass Camp'

"A camp city will spring up in a lovely riverside meadow. The green-clad Folk, with their gay banners and tents will make a living pageant. There will be shops, a theatre and a craft show. Sports, festivities, plays, dancing, woodcraft training will all take place... Why not visit it and see the remarkable educational work of the Woodcraft Folk?"

1937

International Camp at Rottingdean

1964

Lockerbrook

In 1964, Basil Rawson got the lease for Lockerbrook farmhouse — turning it into the first of Woodcraft Folk's Outdoor centres.

1965

Charity

In 1965 Woodcraft Folk became a registered Charity

1986

First Anti racist education project

1987

DF Committee

By 1987 the District Fellowship ware forming their own committee to run the 16 to 21 age group activities

2015

Oral History Project

Woodcraft Folk's 90th anniversary sees oral histories collected from members and deposited in the British Library

We are Woodcraft Folk and we’ve been running since 1925 and we’re still going strong!

We’ve changed over the past century, but draw on our heritage and what we’ve learnt as we move forward.