Bushcraft Courses

Camp Craft 2012

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Using the tools of a woodsman

In our Fundamental Bushcraft course we make extensive use of the knife and the small folding saw, neither of which weigh very much but offer us great utility while on the trail. In the Campcraft course we learn to use the axe, partnering it with a larger bow- or buck-saw. In bushcraft, the axe comes into its own on serious expeditions in temperate and particularly boreal forest, whether you are traveling by foot, canoe, snow-shoe, ski or snow-machine.

Using the right tools and correct cutting/carving methods is a fundamental building block of good bushcraft. There are many different types of axe, designed for different jobs. But many people picture the axe as a blunt, rusty wedge of metal on the end of a half-rotten piece of wood that lives in the shed or is occasionally found in a remote cabin. A well-selected, well maintained, sharp axe has much greater potential than these neglected tools might suggest.

The Camp craft course progresses from choosing, preparing, maintaining and sharpening your tools to a wide range of practical and above all safe techniques. These techniques will be learnt by completing a variety of relevant and rewarding projects.

Good axe technique opens up new possibilities in woodcraft and makes everyday tasks such as cutting poles or splitting firewood much quicker and more efficient. The greater your ability and speed at safe cutting/carving, the more you will be able to achieve. The techniques you will learn also develop good manual dexterity, strength, hand-eye co-ordination and a detailed knowledge of the characteristics of different woods.

Larger projects become possible with an axe. We can easily undertake tasks that would be extremely difficult with just a knife. On this course you will be taught to fell, limb, section, and split timber. You will then undertake projects which make use of these materials.

With the use of your tools, you will set up a base camp and create items that allow more comfortable living in the woods. To aid you in this, you will also learn various knots, lashings, ropework and wirecraft. Once your camp is established you will be able to undertake more elaborate camp cookery. While living in the woods we also need to keep clean and maintain good hygiene, and we will look at the general principles and different ways of achieving this.

Included in the course cost are the tools that you will be using. These include a training knife, spoon knife and small forest axe which are yours to take home at the end of the course.

This course starts at 17:30 on Sunday and will finish at 13:00 on Saturday.

Catering
This course is self-catering, so please bring enough food for the duration of the course and a stove to cook it on. Many clients have found in the past, bringing a cool box is useful to keep all of your food inside.
We provide a kettle, tea, coffee, squash and biscuits in a brew box at the main camp fire of the course, under a large parachute. We also have fresh drinking water and a fruit bowl available.

Course Site
The Camp Craft course will take place at an expedition style camp in East Sussex, close to Etchingham. The camp is situated in beautiful private woodland with no public access with lots of wildlife including owls, badgers, fox and butterflies. We do not have shower/toilet blocks at our sites, therefore all aspects of the course will have a fantastic wilderness feel, using a screened camp shower and a screened latrine in the woods.

We have a car park at the course site where you your car will be kept during the course (if you bring one). We also offer lifts from the local train station at Etchingham before and after the course.

Other Details
Joining instructions will be sent to participants of the course 9 weeks before it is due to start, giving details of where to meet, at what time, and what to bring with you. A copy of the kit list can also be found here

We invite you to have a look at a selection of course photos taken by staff and students in our photo gallery here.

Prices and dates can be found below.

8 Course Reviews (average rating: 100%)

Firstly a big thanks to Tom Adrian and Brian for another great course. This one was much more relaxed than previous courses but still long days nevertheless with the never ending oiling of the axe handle around the camp fire - something (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Richard Mark Ashton on 09 September, 2011

well what an awesome course as all the courses I have been have been. Finding out how the use of the small forest axe and buck saw work together was a joy the team Steve Ady Nick and Jeremy were great (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Peter Tampsett on 18 July, 2011

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ian Tom Steve and Nick for a great week during the Camp Craft course (10th – 16th may 2011). When I think back at the week and all the things I have (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Johan Edward Van Zanen on 03 May, 2011

Many thanks for a brilliant week, I learnt a hell of a lot and I hope to use the skills I learnt for many years to come.
Reviewed by attendee Sam Gravestock on 03 August, 2010

I'll start with a big thanks to Ian Steve Tom and all at Woodlore for such a fantastic course. Also thanks to all the other guys on the course who helped and supported each other and I had some good laughs (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Martin Dryden on 02 August, 2010

Outstanding course...again! Monday morning and I just want to be back out in the woods coppicing another tree and carving something from it! I have already scrounged some freshly felled birch from a tree surgeon to improve on one of my (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Zena Hewett on 26 July, 2010

I would like to say a massive Thanks to Ian, Tom and Steve and to Woodlore for another BRILLIANT Course. Taught with passion, experience and expertise.... WELL DONE. This course was another step in my journey of Bushcraft, I have been indoors for less than an hour and I am looking at what course to book for next year. Thank you once more for a thoroughly enjoyable week. Marcus Hackney
Reviewed by attendee Marcus Hackney on 24 July, 2010

First of all I feel that I should mention the fact that this is a "real" Camp Craft course in every sense of the word and will meet the approval of those truly interested in this subject. The course is certainly (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Richard Fletcher on 04 January, 2010

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