Below is a list of essential and recommended equipment that you should bring with you so that you can participate fully in the course activities and also be comfortable during your day with us.

Please note that most or our courses are not catered, so please check he accompanying Event Details as to whether you  need to bring a packed lunch with you. Even on foraging courses we cannot promise to be able to feed everyone a whole meal so better to bring your own food.

As a rule, anything you bring into the woods, you also need to take away, So please be prepared to take all litter home with you. Remember the old saying; “Leave only footprints, take only memories.”

Please double check you have everything you need from the kit list before you arrive, and assume we don’t carry spares. 

If you have any questions after reading this list, do get in touch with us at hey@woodlandclassroom.com

Thanks, James

Essential Items

Food/Packed Lunches (full day courses only) – if you’ve booked on a course where a shared campfire meal is not included then sandwiches or food that is quick and easy to prepare is recommended for the daytime. On our Wild Food/Foraging courses we may well be cooking up some dishes but these will be tasters for students rather than a full meal.

Sensible Footwear – these should be warm, waterproof and provide ankle support. A pair of walking boots is usually fine. It never hurts to throw a pair of wellies in the boot of your car too if you have the room…. just in case.

Outdoor Clothing – should be suitable for the season. During cold months, multiple thin layers are better than one thick layer.

Waterproof Coat & Trousers – these are recommended regardless of the forecast as weather can change in Wales. They also add a good windproof layer to your clothing options. Remember fire can be a big part of our courses and modern materials such as GoreTex melt easily so don’t bring your best gear. 

Gloves – to keep fingers warm while maintaining full movement. We recommend a pair of leather/gardening/rigger gloves as these will protect your hands whilst gathering natural materials and dealing with the inevitable brambles.

Hat – think about what season it is and whether you might need to keep your head warm or cool. Hats are also great as make-do foraging baskets.

Plate, Bowl, Eating Knife, Fork, Spoon (foraging, outdoor cooking and catered courses only) – metal or plastic plates/bowls are best as they are lightweight and less liable to break. We have found that if everyone brings their own cutlery to eat with then it makes things simpler.

Mug – please bring your own mug if you want to enjoy a hot cup of something from the campfire kettle. If everyone brings their own it saves you having to clean out a used mug that someone else has left out.

Drinking Water Bottle or Flask – to keep yourself hydrated through the day. We will have drinking water for you to fill up from.

Carrier Bag – these are always useful for keeping items dry and also to put any litter you make in for taking home.

Personal Medication – is there anything you need to bring?

Optional Items

Personal First Aid Kit – this should include a minimum of plasters, anti-bacterial wipes, microporous tape and a small bandage. Preferably your kit should be of a size that you can carry it on your person throughout the weekend. So, a pocket sized or belt mounted kit is ideal.

Insect Repellent – if you know you’re susceptible to bites from bugs it’s best to bring some repellent with you so you’re comfortable during the courts.

Suncream – probably not essential in winter 😉

Sharp Tools – You are welcome to bring your own hand tools for use during the course activities. However we insist that our staff check that your items are safe to use before the course starts. So if you bring your own knife, axe or saw please let us know when we do our course introduction. We will provide sharp tools for everyone as required throughout the course. If you are bringing your own tools please note the following…

Knife – fixed blades only, no folding knives. A Mora style knife is ideal. If we are spoon carving and you have your own crook knife, you are welcome to bring it along.

Axe – small axes only, up to the size of a Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe.

Saw – folding saws like the Bahco Laplander or Silkys only. No large bow saws please.

If bringing your own tools please ensure you have sheaths in good condition to shield the live edge.

Notebook & Pen/Pencil – for making your own notes over the course.

Sit Mat and/or Folding Chair – we have logs to sit on around the campfire circle however they are sometimes wet from rain so having something dry to sit on can be a good idea. The lighter the better, a simple sit mat works greater or just a cushion in a plastic bag can work.

Forgotten Something?

If you are already on your way to the course and you find you’ve forgotten something, we recommend stopping at Pro Adventure in Llangollen, not far from Chirk Castle. They are a local supplier of quality outdoor gear. We use them quite a bit ourselves. https://www.proadventure.co.uk/