British doomsday preppers prepare for the apocalypse in Cornwall

Doomsday prepping is the act of preparing for catastrophic events that could disrupt or end society as we know it. Whether it’s natural disasters, economic collapse, pandemics, nuclear war, government breakdown, or even a rare solar storm known as a Carrington Event, preppers aim to be ready for anything.

To find out more about the UK prepping community, Laura traveled to Penzance in Cornwall to camp with a group of British preppers during a weekend meet-up—just one in a series of gatherings happening across the country this summer. These events offer a rare chance for preppers to connect in person, share ideas, compare kit, and pick up new survival skills. From crossbows to combat boots, attendees were keen to discuss what gear is essential for life after disaster.

Over the course of the weekend, participants attended a variety of practical workshops and demonstrations. One session taught attendees how to filter fluoride out of tap water, while another explained how to select the best gas mask to survive a chemical or biological attack. There was even a hands-on tutorial on how to forage for food in the wild.

The reasons for prepping are as diverse as the attendees themselves. From concerns about Brexit to falling down online conspiracy rabbit holes, each prepper has their own story of how they began stockpiling tins. The weekend also revealed what crises they believe are most likely to hit the UK—and how they view National Geographic’s portrayal of preppers in its Doomsday Preppers series. As well as, what they think of their gun-toting American counterparts.

Watch the full story to understand the mindset of British doomsday preppers—and what they're preparing for.

Reporter: Laura Beveridge

Videographer: Ben Lewis

Video Editor: Laura Beveridge and Oli Johnson

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