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Tent peg

Tent pegs forever remain the bane of the camping trip. Traditional metal pegs far too often bend under pressure, and are the first things to go missing after a weekend under canvas. Here’s a quick and easy method of knocking up your very own pegs using material close to hand. Little wooden pegs make for even more reliable fixings for a tent of any size, and you can have peace of mind in knowing that any left behind will decompose naturally back into the surroundings from which they came.

1. Taking a branch of roughly 15cm (6in) length and 2–3cm (¾–1¼in) thickness, round off the top using a downwards cut. This will help prolong the life of the peg and set apart the top from the bottom.

2. Using the top end of your blade nearest the handle, mark out a line, 4cm (1½in) down from the top of the peg. Press down firmly and roll the blade to achieve a clear indentation.

3. Cut downwards towards the line from 1cm (⅜in) back. Remove the shaving.

4. Repeat this cutting action until a notch shape begins to develop.

5. Shave the opposite end of the peg into a tip. This will be the end driven into the ground – it needn’t be too sharp.