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August 15, 2020 @ 9:30 am - August 16, 2020 @ 4:30 pm
£10 – £150
Whether you’re new to bushcraft or a veteran of the outdoors, let our experienced instructors guide you through the core skill branches of bushcraft; shelter, fire, food and using edged tools. Our weekend long course is all set against the backdrop of the ancient woodland of the National Trust’s Chirk Castle estate.
This two-day course is an immersion into the world of bushcraft, perfect for both beginners and those who already enjoy the outdoor lifestyle but want to take their basic knowledge of bushcraft further. Over the weekend you will gain a deepened connection to nature whilst experiencing how bushcraft can enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors. You will learn a range of practical skills you can use to thrive in the wilderness; whether you want to pass some exciting new skills to your family members on a camping trip, you’re aiming for solo wilderness camping with just your backpack and knife, or you’re simply looking to connect with your inner hunter-gatherer for a weekend. Wherever you are on your journey into bushcraft we aim to bring your confidence and skillset forward to the next level.
- Build weather-proof shelters from natural materials.
- Create fire using modern and ancient methods, including fire by friction.
- Learn how to identify key tree & plant species that can aid us in bushcraft.
- Cook up and enjoy delicious lunches over the campfire.
- Improve your techniques in knife, axe and saw work, using safe but effective methods.
- See the natural world through the eyes of our ancestors.
- Learn how to find and filter water using natural materials.
- Discover Natural Navigation techniques to find your way in the wild.
- Make your own cordage from plant fibres.
- Craft clever campfire gadgets to aid you in cooking outdoors.
- Improve your health & well-being by reconnecting with nature.
- Camp out in the beautiful National Trust estate (optional)
Your Tutor: James Kendall
James is the Head Bushcraft Instructor at Woodland Classroom, having worked in outdoor education & conservation for over 10 years. James’ approach to teaching steers students toward fostering a deeper connection with nature through understanding the landscape around us; “Bushcraft skills are an effective way to do this as we learn how to make use of natural materials and live lightly with the land, whilst also connecting with our own ancient past by seeing the land through the eyes of our ancestors.”
In 2017 James received the Bushcraft Competency Certificate awarded through the Institute for Outdoor Learning after 2 years of teaching experience and practical study. He is also a member of the IOL Bushcraft Professional Practise Group. The group aims to promote best practice in the growing industry of bushcraft activity providers.
Skills you will learn
Over the course of the programme you will learn a range of skills, including…
Your day will begin with arrival at our woodland basecamp set amongst ancient trees and wildflowers. From here we will take a short walk out into the woods to learn how to view the natural world through the eyes of our ancestors.
Having each been issued with your own knife to use for the weekend, we will then look at the wealth of natural materials available to us and then put these materials to the test with a practical session of shelter building as your tutor guides you through the skills required to build two styles of simple but effective shelter using all natural materials from the woodland itself.
Next we will gather around our new woodland homes to practise further safe cutting techniques with our knives which can be used for a range of practical applications. We will also make time for looking at basic axe and saw use and learn how to make smart decisions about which living materials we should harvest and which we should consider passing by.
At lunchtime each day we will be cooking up a feast of fresh ingredients in a traditional dutch oven, sharing food together around the campfire as humans have done for thousands of generations.
Book now
This course costs £150 per person and is open to adult learners aged 16 years and over. You can read our Event Terms & Conditions here.
