Is Bushcraft for me?

10th - 12th July 2026

Discover nature and the possibilities of our beautiful woodlands during this short but comprehensive adventure. We invite you to join us around our campfire, taste some backcountry cooking and experience the pleasures of living in our beautiful countryside. During the course, Ray will lead you into the world of bushcraft, teaching you some of the core skills essential to living comfortably in the outdoors and opening up the many doors of this fascinating subject. As part of this course, you will be taught how to light a fire using a Ray Mears Fire Stick which will be yours to take home at the end of the course.

The Introduction to Bushcraft course is aimed at those who have never carried out any bushcraft before or more experienced people who would prefer a shorter course. The teaching pace gives everyone a chance to learn the skills and practice them while taking in the wonderful woodland they are surrounded by. This is fully immersive training from which everyone can learn.

The skills that will be taught during this course include:

• Making shelters using both man-made and natural materials.
• Discovering various methods of fire-making.
• Management of fire.
• Cooking over a fire.
• Putting out a fire and leaving no trace.
• Learning about many useful trees and plants around us.
• An introduction to navigation and tracking.
• How and what to pack for a week of bushcraft in the UK.

If you would prefer to attend a more in-depth week-long course to take your skill set further, please take a look at the Woodlore Fundamental Bushcraft course.

Students attending this course often surprise themselves with their own achievements!

This course starts at 16:00 on day 1 and will finish at 16:00 on day 3.

Catering

All meals for this course 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.

Course Site

The Introduction to 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 

You must be over 17 to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger accompanied by an adult, at our discretion.

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.

Pre Course Information

View Information Here

East Sussex

Full joining instructions, kit list and consent form will be sent to you 9 weeks before the commencement of this course. Kit lists and consent forms are available to download from the website.

Immerse yourself in the world of bushcraft and experience the wonders of nature through the eyes of Woodlore. If you’re wondering if bushcraft is for you or if you already have experience but can’t commit to a full week, this course is the perfect introduction to the breadth of experience and quality of training that we offer. Ray will introduce you to the limitless subject of bushcraft by expertly demonstrating and explaining each skill before you have the chance to have a go. A hands on experience that leaves students thoroughly inspired to continue their journey into "the art of the possible". This course starts at 16:00 on day 1 and will finish at 16:00 on day 3.