COVID - social distancing and group size maximums will be observed according to government guidance.

I'll update you with the guidance before the curse runs. Recommend you bring gloves and a face mask. DO not attend if you or anyone you've had close contact with has experienced COVID like symptoms.

Immerse yourself in the woods.

We'll camp for 2 nights in a small private woodland in the Chiltern Hills, learning progressive skills which build upon each other, thinking about the true meaning of 'Bushcraft' - using the forest or woodland around us to craft useful items necessary for comfort and survival.

Activities are dependant on the weather and available woodland materials at the time of the course, so may vary, but here's a guide.

Activities and lessons

This is a practical skill building course and as such learning sessions will take place all day until early evening, when you can either choose to continue a craft project you've started on site, or relax around the fire.

• Camp craft

The more you know, the less you carry! By using sustainable harvesting technqies we'll learn how to take what we need from the woodland without damaging the ecosystem.

Using our most trsty tools, a small hand saw and a bushcraft knife, we'll learn safe and effective techniques for wood processing.

When splitting firewood having a wedge handy can be indispensible for freeing a stuck knife or axe - we’ll make one out of green wood.

No need to carry tent pegs if you knw how to fashion them from your environment - and they're often more secure than the metal ones too!

There's nothing better than sitting around a campfire watching a kettle boil or a pot of food cook - our ancestors came up with many ingenious ways or hanging containers over the fire and we'll explore the pros and cons of some of them including a cooking tripod, a Waygon stick, and hanging bar and an australian cooking crane.

• Identifying trees, plants and animal tracks

We'll go on a nature walk where you'll learn to zoom in and start noticing what's around you, this can be quite a calm and meditative process, and well as eye opening when you realise how many species there are right under your feet! You'll learn how to identify some useful trees and plants and what our ancestors used them for.

• Navigation

How to find your way in the wilderness, with and without a compass.

• Setting up a tarpaulin shelter

Having a 'tarp' or simple plastic sheet is so versatile and can be set up in minutes, giving you shelter from wind and rain. But to do it effectively take practice. Knowing a few simple knots will also help you with many other tasks in the woods and every day life!

• Finding and filtering water

We can only survive 3 days without water, but what would you do if you didn't have access to running water from a tap? We'll cover the basics of where to look for water, what nasties in it could make you sick, and how to make the water clean and safe to drink.

• Fire lighting

We'll do a detailed session covering the necessary ingredients for fire and how fire is made. We'll explore a wide range of man made and natural tinders and kindling materials and you'll process your own kindling and try out some different techniques for lighting it. We'll talk about keeping a fire going and different fire configurations for warmth and cooking, as well as how to keep your fire safe and low-impact on the environment.

• Open fire cooking - panassing trout native American style

In the evening we'll prepare trout and cook it in a traditional native american style over an open fire.

• Making string from plant fibres

String is one the essential technologies we take for granted, useful for binding and tying all kinds of things from packs to containers and hanging up gear. We'll learn a technique for processing plant fibres and making it into your very own string. If you're creative you could turn this into a bracelet keepsake!

• Making a primitive arrow

Arrows were the neolithic weapon of choice to enable hunting for sufficient calories. A simple arrow employs many unestimated craft techniques including straightening wood, fine carving, stone shaping, cordage work, and feather work.

If you're new to bushcraft please don't worry - complete beginners are very welcome and full instruction will be provided in a friendly atmosphere.

Camping

You can bring your own camping equipment, or rent a hammock or tent from me (first come first served).

The campsite has a communal area with rain shelter and log seats, a fire place, drinking water and hot water from the fire kettle, and tea and coffee will be available throughout.

Individual camps will be spaced throughout a small woodland in either hammocks or tents.

Parking is available on site and it's only a 50 yard walk from the cars to the camping area.

Dinners are included in the course fee and will be cooked over the open fire.

Students should bring their own lunch and breakfast.

After booking you'll receive full joining instructions with directions and a packing list.