Brother finalising buying a small wood, so though he will have long term shelter plans I was wondering about getting him a tarp or some sort to use (leave inplace?) over the next couple of months as ‘moving in’ present?
I’ve been pointed toward the lovely packable “boonies outdoor parachute shelter” but as it doesn’t need to be packable, I was hoping for soemthing a tad cheaper. Any thoughts?

Alpkit tarp and some of their paracord? They’re pretty strong and shouldn’t degrade if used in a forest (so out of direct sunlight). Ive had one for years and have lost count of the times it’s been used. Sun shade in the summer, communal shelter when motorcycle touring. Brilliant, cheap bit of kit.

If you want really cheap then a tarp from B&Q with line under it to form a ridge rather than using the eyelets? (Don’t use the eyelets for anything as they invariably pull through).

Vango make a big tarp. Mine was £20. It’s now a decade old, done more than a few canoe trips and trips in the woods.

We have a Quechua tarp from decathlon

Think it is this one

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/tarp-camping-shelter-dark-green-id_2363223.html

Comes with a couple of poles and pegs

Good few years old and it’s been great as a sun or rain shelter/ extra tent porch whist camping and pretty versatile space wise depending how you rig it.

Have a look at DD tarps – https://www.ddhammocks.com/products/all_tarps £49 for a 4m x4m taro

The DD tarps are good and lightweight (I have a 3×3), but I would not really want to leave one out there longterm, mainly because I would not want it stolen.

Maybe a really good heavyweight ‘normal’ tarp?

Maybe look at canvas if weight;s not an issue – a bit quieter when it rains and less likely to tear in strong winds, I’d imagine.

http://www.tarpaflex.co.uk/acatalog/Canvas-Tarpaulins.html

What wwaswas said.

or old Scout Patrol tents (cotton ones) work well as shelters, lift one side up with additional poles.

Should last better in the UV light and less likely to damage in a breeze as it heavier and will flog less.

Scrub down every so often to clean up and keep the green gunk off.

Might be a bit out of budget, but a 9 x 9 army tent is pretty good.
Anchor supplies has loads and they can be fitted out to be fairly plush in.
They can be fitted with a chimney shroud so if you have a stove and wood to burn, cosy too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/9-x-9-Mk-2-army-tent/303276278591?hash=item469cacc33f:g:Q8oAAOSwx6tdcpKF

If it’s for leaving up in the woods get a cheap green builders tarp. Big, robust and cheap

Agree with Benp

Always loved those stretch tents. Not cheap but would create a cracking semi-permanent sheltered area.