STEP-BY-STEP Build a bonfire

Place two sticks of kindling parallel on the ground, about 10cm apart. Balance two more across the first two, creating a square.

Continue stacking kindling until you are about six layers high.

Fill the middle with tinder. You can use commercial firelighters but I prefer more natural options, such as the ones listed on the previous page. Scrunched-up newspaper, wastepaper or card (like loo rolls) also make a cost-efficient tinder, while dried rosemary or orange peel add a fragrant note.

Make a ‘roof ’ for your ‘log cabin’ by adding a layer of kindling topped with thin logs.

Light the middle of the tinder with a long-handled match.

Lean some thin logs over them, once your kindling ‘walls’ have started burning well. Make sure the tips point upwards to create a wigwam shape. When these begin to catch, add another layer to your wigwam, made of thicker, sturdier logs.

Keep repeating this approach to slowly build up your fire.