four-day course

foundation bushcraft

location: nr Nutley, Sussex

As the name suggests this course gives a firm foundation in a range of key bushcraft skills. The main difference from a weekend course is the depth in which the subjects are covered and the amount of guided practice time provided. This is extremely valuable in assimilating the skills. While camping over the four day period participants also get the chance to really settle into the woodland environment. Additional components to this course are navigation and bushcraft cooking.

The course is highly recommended for both beginners and as a valuable step forward for those who have attended shorter courses. The safe use of sheath knife and saw will be learnt (both of which can be either borrowed or bought at the venue) and can use these tools to make up a bow drill set. Firelighting, including bow drill, sparks, fuels and firelays will also be taught. Participants will have the chance to collect and purify water, build a leaf shelter and string up a hammock, do some bushcraft cooking (for example, gutting and preparing fish - either clay baking or grilling on stick), learn about plant uses including foraging and cord making, and learn basic navigation methods, including natural methods of direction finding. There will also be an introduction to animal tracks and signs.

During the course participants are encouraged to try out sleeping in leaf shelters, cook by the fire and get to know their fellow bushcrafters.

At the end of the course participants will:

  • Know how to use a knife and saw safely
  • be able to tie some basic knots required to string up a hammock
  • know how to build a leaf shelter
  • understand how to find water and make it safe
  • understand the basic principles of responsible firelighting and fuel collection
  • have succeeded in lighting a fire with sparks and/or bow drill
  • have learnt some bushcraft cooking techniques
  • know how to recognise some of the plants that can provide food and other valuable materials
  • have a basic understanding of navigation with a map and compass
  • have increased your ability to notice, identify and interpret animal signs

dates: see 'book online' below

more on bushcraft           more on wild food

how to book:

  

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free
arrive:
  
for a 7pm prompt start
depart:
  
after 4pm when the course ends
directions:
  
sent with booking confirmation
what to bring:
  
pen and notebook; suitable clothing; tent and camping gear
let us know:
  
if you have any special needs
price:
  
£280
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
lunch:
  
bring a packed lunch
car sharing:
  
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the venue is a woodland area near Nutley