ABOUT THE COURSE
Join us to discover or refresh bushcraft skills with expert, Nick Ward. We offer two flexible days of training; choose any one day by looking at the skills covered in the description below or come for a more immersive experience by booking both days and save £20. You can also save 10% on accommodation when you stay with us during your course for 2 nights or more in our campsite or eco lodge (please see details at the bottom of this page).
Each day is a stand-alone course which has been designed to not only teach you essential bushcraft skills but also to allow time away from digital screens, to reconnect with the sounds of nature and enjoy the rhythm of the woods. You will be immersed in the woodland the whole day, taking time to practise your new-found skills.
Thursday 28th will start with a walk around the beautiful woodlands at the Sustainability Centre in the South Downs National Park including tree and plant identification, wild foods, and herbal medicine. On our return to base camp, you will explore ways of creating natural cordage using plants found on our walk. After lunch, you will learn how to rig a tarp, explore rope work including knots, and rope throwing, and how to apply these new skills in setting up a modern shelter system. Throughout the day there will be plenty of time to practise these skills at your own pace.
On Friday 29th we shall look at the most iconic of bushcraft skills; fire lighting. Discover ways of creating flame, natural and man-made tinders, how to source fuel responsibly and sustainably plus learn how to select the right materials to ensure successful fire lighting. Learn how to adapt a fire for different purposes, fire safety and how to leave no trace. After these skills have been learnt and practiced you will explore the ancient craft of fire-by-friction and the “bow-drill” technique of rubbing sticks together to make fire. The day will also include improvised outdoor cooking techniques and you will be given the chance to cook your own damper bread using all of the skills learnt throughout the day. Throughout the day there will be plenty of time to practise these skills at your own pace.
Each day is a stand-alone course which has been designed to not only teach you essential bushcraft skills but also to allow time away from digital screens, to reconnect with the sounds of nature and enjoy the rhythm of the woods. You will be immersed in the woodland the whole day, taking time to practise your new-found skills.
Thursday 28th will start with a walk around the beautiful woodlands at the Sustainability Centre in the South Downs National Park including tree and plant identification, wild foods, and herbal medicine. On our return to base camp, you will explore ways of creating natural cordage using plants found on our walk. After lunch, you will learn how to rig a tarp, explore rope work including knots, and rope throwing, and how to apply these new skills in setting up a modern shelter system. Throughout the day there will be plenty of time to practise these skills at your own pace.
On Friday 29th we shall look at the most iconic of bushcraft skills; fire lighting. Discover ways of creating flame, natural and man-made tinders, how to source fuel responsibly and sustainably plus learn how to select the right materials to ensure successful fire lighting. Learn how to adapt a fire for different purposes, fire safety and how to leave no trace. After these skills have been learnt and practiced you will explore the ancient craft of fire-by-friction and the “bow-drill” technique of rubbing sticks together to make fire. The day will also include improvised outdoor cooking techniques and you will be given the chance to cook your own damper bread using all of the skills learnt throughout the day. Throughout the day there will be plenty of time to practise these skills at your own pace.
THE COURSE WILL COVER
DAY 1: Thursday 28th August
- Tree and plant identification
- How to make cordage
- Rope work and tarp rigging
- Practice session
- Fire lighting and different fire lays
- Bow drill masterclass
- Backcountry cooking
- Practice session/cooking
THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR
- Anyone 18 years or over with a reasonable level of mobility and hand strength
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR
- Bring a packed lunch or buy from the The Beech Cafe
- Outdoor weather-appropriate layered clothing suitable for spending the whole day outdoors in the woods
- Sturdy footwear
- A water bottle
- A folding camping chair
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Nick Ward has been teaching outdoor skills for 20 years. He holds formal teaching and outdoor
leaderships qualifications and is a qualified bushcraft instructor. Nick is passionate about the
outdoors and has written a myriad of training programs for countryside professionals, Forest School
leaders, teachers and organisations. Nick has a fun and relaxed approach to his teaching and is a
great believer of experiential learning.
leaderships qualifications and is a qualified bushcraft instructor. Nick is passionate about the
outdoors and has written a myriad of training programs for countryside professionals, Forest School
leaders, teachers and organisations. Nick has a fun and relaxed approach to his teaching and is a
great believer of experiential learning.
Check Out Accommodation
You can get 10% discount when you stay with us during your course for 2 nights or more in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
