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Bushcraft Courses

Fundamental Bushcraft 2012

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The Initiation

Woodlore Fundamental Bushcraft course - The Initiation
This course will equip you with a sound foundation of knowledge and the necessary ability to explore the art of Bushcraft. It is conducted entirely outdoors in a friendly campfire atmosphere and will go ahead in all weather. No previous experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Please note we are currently offering a 20% discount for anyone making a booking on the Fundamental Bushcraft 27th May - 2nd June course; a saving of £130! Please call the office on 01580 819668 to make your reservation.

The syllabus has been carefully designed to introduce the widest range of techniques, while concentrating on the most important. The end result is self- reliance, closeness to nature and improved self- confidence in the outdoors.

Each skill is carefully explained and expertly demonstrated before you practice the technique for yourself. As new skills are acquired, the class is encouraged to apply them with plenty of time to practice (you get out from Bushcraft only what you put in!). On the final day, there is a certified test, giving you the opportunity to apply skills learnt during the week in a challenging and realistic scenario.

The skills that will be taught during this course include:

  • Firelighting, including by friction
  • Shelter Construction
  • Water Collection & Purification
  • Plants For food & medicine
  • Natural Cordage
  • Hunting & Trapping
  • Wilderness Fishing Techniques
  • Safe use of Cutting Tools
  • Looking after the land and leaving no trace
  • Backcountry Hygiene
  • Outdoor Safety
  • Natural Navigation

This course starts at 17:30 on Sunday and will finish at 16:00 on Saturday.

Catering
All meals for this course will be provided. You will not live from the land during this course although one meal will be of wild food. For the rest of the time normal meals will be provided, allowing each student the opportunity to do some backcountry cooking, therefore if you have special dietary requirements please let us know on your consent form or contact the office.

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 Fundamental Bushcraft course will take place at an expedition style camp in East Sussex, close to Tunbridge Wells. The camp is situated in beautiful private woodland with no public access with lots of wildlife including deer, 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).



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

Once you have completed the Fundamental Bushcraft course you are able to attend the Intermediate Bushcraft course and if you pass the Fundamental Bushcraft course you are able to attend the Journeyman course

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.

14 Course Reviews (average rating: 100%)

Thanks to Keith Tom and Sarah for all the coaching and their professionalism during last week’s well thought and laid out course covering a wide range of essential skills required in the woods and being well fed at the same time. It (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Albert Joseph on 07 September, 2011
Just got back from the Fundamental Bushcraft Course. What a week! An utterly engaging in depth and full on course that teaches a variety of essential skills. The instructors Tom Sarah and Keith were superb and their expertise were worth double (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee John Brown on 04 September, 2011
Dear Keith ,Tom ,Sarah, Thankyou for your patients,time and knowledge,i have much admiration for you all.I was up before 5am every morning lighting the fire as i do at home ,giving me time to reflect on things,the differece was the surroundings ,building a fire in them surroundings was wonderfull. Thankyou all. P.S my Mrs loved her spoon.
Reviewed by attendee Craig Turner on 04 September, 2011
Fancy a walk in the park? With this course you’ll get just that…. And then some! Is it really only a week since I was in the woods? (24th-30th July 2011.) It seems like months ago now although the scars will take (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Richard Mark Ashton on 08 August, 2011
I found the Fundamental Bushcraft course an amazing experience on many levels. Very big thanks to an impressive group of instructors Dan Rob and Ross not just for their depth and range of knowledge and their excellent grasp of practical skills (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Zoe Bicat on 17 June, 2011
Hi folks Having recently completed the Fundamental Bushcraft Course (29th May - 4th June) I wanted to pass on some feedback (my mental capacity to put something constructive on the feedback sheet was somewhat lacking after a very challenging week). Before going (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Marc Langeskov on 14 June, 2011
This course was life changing for me. I learnt the value of food warmth and shelter and how much we take for granted. I can't describe the joy of lighting a fire with a bow drill and how the walks in (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Dave Brons on 07 June, 2011
I can't remember having had so much fun in one week! I don't normally do reviews and suchlike, but this was special. The weather was fine, Brian, Dan and Wayne were the gentlest and most good-humoured of teacher-guides and I was fortunate to be with a great bunch of people. Thanks to all (including my fellow students) who helped to make this such a great week.
Reviewed by attendee Martin James Pope on 03 May, 2011
Well what can one say. I've had a week to lick my wounds and recover from a week of outdoor life being taught by a team full of knowledge and confidence. Dan Calum and Susan know their stuff and I was (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Miles Finch on 29 April, 2011
I've just finished the Fundamental course and wanted to drop a line of thanks to the office. It was a really fantastic course well structured and packed with information. It was hard work but really exhilarating I was genuinely sad to (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Julian Higgs on 28 September, 2010
Hi Last week I attended the Fundamental Bushcraft course and I had such a great time I felt I should contact you to pass on my thanks. The course content and delivery were superb and I came away feeling that I had (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Mathew Sibley on 25 June, 2010
The instructors Dan Emma Wayne and Nick are so patient with everyone and the way they get things across is second to none!!  Not one person failed to understand their demonstrations or explanations. Dan seems to be able to deliver his skill (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Paul Titterrell on 25 June, 2010
Dear Woodlore I have just completed your Fundamental Bushcraft course and would like to say a big thank you for such a fantastic experience. Dan Emma Nick Wayne you have shown knowledge and professionalism of the highest standard with levels of (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Evan Gilden on 22 June, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed the Fundamental course. Looking back I have learnt so much. The course subtitle 'The Initiation' is not something to be glossed over. It's NOT bootcamp - but you definitely need to be physically and pschologically prepared to immerse (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Deb Hume on 22 March, 2010
If you need information on forthcoming courses or need to know when there is a cancellation, please sign up to our Mailing List.
If you have arrived at here following a cancellation and all courses are shown as Fully Booked then the place(s) have already been taken.


Course Dates, Locations & Prices 

  • Plick click on a date below for more details of the corresponding course
  • Please read our Terms & Conditions prior to booking
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Keith Whitehead
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
4 places remaining as of 17/05/2012 02:19
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Nick Thompson
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Keith Whitehead
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Nick Thompson
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Nick Thompson
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Keith Whitehead
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
Sorry, this course is now fully booked. You can sign up for cancellation notifications using our Mailing List.
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Sarah Day
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.
Course Name: Fundamental Bushcraft 2012 - The Initiation
Location: East Sussex
Course leader: Nick Thompson
Course Size: 16 (maximum)
Cost per person: £650.00 (inc VAT)
 
If unaccompanied by an adult you must be 17 or over to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger and with an adult at our discretion. Please contact us for more information.