There are many excellent short bushcraft courses available, but a five-day training programme followed by a dedicated assessment period allows us to go considerably deeper than is possible on a typical weekend course. The emphasis is on understanding, practical ability and confidence, rather than simply being shown a collection of bushcraft techniques. Students are taught, demonstrate, practise and consolidate the skills throughout the training week before returning for the assessment. This gives time for techniques to become properly understood and, importantly, gives students the opportunity to identify and work on areas that need further practice. The result is a much more rounded level of bushcraft competence and a solid foundation from which to continue developing.

The programme covers a broad range of practical bushcraft and outdoor skills, including:

• Tool selection, safe use and maintenance
•  Fire lighting and fire management
•  Traditional fire by friction
•  Cordage and natural materials
•  Spoon carving and basic green woodworking
•  Sustainable harvesting
• Minimal-impact outdoor practices
• Plant and tree identification
• Practical uses of plants and trees
• Identification and uses of wild foods
• Mammal tracks, signs and interpretation
• Natural shelter
• Modern shelter systems
• Knots and rope work
• Safe water collection and management
• Water purification
• Recognition and management of heat and cold-related injuries
• Living comfortably and responsibly outdoors

The individual subjects are taught as practical skills, but throughout the course we also consider why, when and where those skills are appropriate. Understanding the natural environment is an important part of bushcraft. The course therefore looks beyond simply making fire, shelter or tools and encourages students to develop a greater awareness of the woodland, landscape and natural resources around them.

 

PRACTICAL TRAINING

 

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

The Advanced Bushcraft Award is suitable for a wide range of people. It is particularly relevant to: Outdoor Instructors Those looking to broaden and formalise their practical bushcraft knowledge and develop a stronger foundation in outdoor skills. Teachers and Forest School Leaders Those wanting a stronger understanding of traditional outdoor skills, natural materials and responsible outdoor practice. Outdoor Professionals Those who want to develop their competence beyond their existing outdoor specialism. Bushcraft Practitioners Those who already have experience and want to consolidate their skills through a structured Level 3 programme and formal assessment. Outdoor Enthusiasts Those who want to take their knowledge considerably further than is possible on a short introductory or weekend bushcraft course. You do not need to have completed another qualification before joining. The Level 3 designation describes the standard and complexity of the programme, rather than requiring a lower-level qualification as an entry requirement.

 

TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

The course consists of a five-day training block followed by a three-day assessment block, with a period between the two allowing students to practise, consolidate and develop their skills. Assessment varies according to the subject and may include: • Practical demonstrations
• Observation of practical skills
• Question and answer sessions
• Short written questions
• Demonstration of knowledge and understanding The majority of the formal assessment takes place during the final three-day block. This structure is important. Rather than arriving at the end of a five-day course and immediately being expected to demonstrate everything, students have time between the training and assessment to go away, practise and return better prepared.

 

ACCREDITATION & CERTIFICATION

The Advanced Bushcraft Award is set at Level 3 using national benchmarks, with successful candidates receiving the Advanced Bushcraft Award from NCFE, together with a Woodcraft School certificate. The original NCFE woodcraft qualifications were developed through the work of Woodcraft School and John Rhyder in partnership with Plumpton College, and have a long history within professional bushcraft and woodcraft training. The Level 3 award represents a substantial programme of practical training and assessment rather than attendance alone. Students who complete the training phase but do not undertake the formal assessment can receive a certificate of attendance.

 

WHAT DOES LEVEL 3 MEAN?

The level of a qualification describes the complexity and depth of the work involved, rather than simply indicating how much previous experience a student must have. A Level 3 programme therefore represents a significant step beyond a basic introductory bushcraft course, while remaining accessible to someone who has not previously completed a formal bushcraft qualification. The Advanced Bushcraft Award is designed to develop a broad and properly integrated understanding of bushcraft, providing a strong foundation for further study and practical development.

 

PROGRESSION TO LEVEL 4

For students wishing to continue developing their skills, the Advanced Bushcraft Award provides an ideal progression towards the Certificate in Applied Bushcraft – Level 4. The Level 4 programme takes the foundation established at Level 3 and develops it considerably further, with greater emphasis on depth of knowledge, practical application, teaching and the ability to work to a professional standard. Advanced Bushcraft Award → Certificate in Applied Bushcraft

 

COURSE FORMAT

 

CATERING

 

COURSE FEE

 

Reviews

MARK LAWLESS This course is pretty amazing. I went in as a total newbie, slightly nervous of what was to come, but looking for an adventure, and a way to open up my understanding and appreciation of the Natural World. It’s no overstatement to say that I came away with a wealth of knowledge and more of a feeling of belonging to the wild places. I no longer feel like a stranger in the Woods or Forests, but more a part of them. Phil, the chief instructor, is a Legend. It feels as if he comes from a bygone, more honourable era, one where values and morals mean everything. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about the outdoors, and all the different subjects he teaches, that he patiently and expertly guides you through all the different themes, adding anecdotes and facts along the way, keeping you hanging on every word and scribbling notes. But at the same time he exudes a selfless humility and a willingness to help you as an individual, which is priceless. (I can actually see him wincing as he reads this). You are certainly made to feel very welcome here. Joe, Phil’s second in command, is also great, His knowledge, commitment and helpfulness only seconded by his culinary skills. You won’t go hungry, that’s for sure. All this is overseen by John, who also takes some of the subjects, who’s expertise and knowledge is unparalleled. But the overall feeling is of fun. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to learn, and this is a very professionally run outfit. The days are long and demanding. But it is all put together in an atmosphere of fun and laughter, making it a joy to be a part of, and you come away feeling a part of a new family. When I’d finished my assessment, I booked up the Bow making course straight away. For anyone with a glimmer of interest in the outdoors and wild places, anyone looking for a priceless woodland experience, just book it up. Don’t even bother looking elsewhere. This is the one. You won’t be disappointed.

LUKE NEWMAN What an amazing experience. From the first day of arrival to the assessment the course was outstanding. A wealth of knowledge shared to us by John and Phil and also the instructors. We felt welcome, looked after, guided and mentored throughout the whole course. What a privilege to learn with masters of their craft and feel their enthusiasm (which is infectious!). As a beginner, I found the course very accessible and felt very much part of a team straight away. There were high standards, and with ample time to practice skills and seek guidance from John & Phil, I felt the structure of the course really worked for me. I have already recommended the school to others and I will continue to do so. Luke.

  LOUISE ANDERSON Awesome course! I learned so much whilst having huge amounts of fun in a lovely woods. I even enjoyed the assessments! Phil and John were great .. Very knowledgeable, relaxed and had good sense of humour! On site facilities were great .. Including a nice outdoor composting toilet and a shower! The group were fab too … And weren’t into bushcraft just for a knife collection! Lots of people from different walks of life sharing an interest in the natural world, outdoor activities and a desire to improve their own skills. I had a fabulous learning holiday and would do it all again!

SCOTTY BATTY What a learning curve! Thanks for putting on an excellent course. First class tuition, location and bunch of coursemates. Definitely not a course for anyone looking to just turn up and assume you’ll pass. The training and assessment are both full on and you have to put the hours in if you want to succeed (particularly for a beginner like me!). But doing so is fantastic and well worth the effort. Having achieved this qualification I now know what standard I’m at and it has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to get out there and embrace the new dimension to the woods that this Advanced Bushcraft Award has given me. Cheers guys!

CARL BACON What an amazing Course, great for beginners and more advanced students. Was blown away regarding the knowledge that our instructor John shared with us, from bushcraft to woodcraft, plant and tree ID and much much more. I went away wanting more, it’s been the best course I’ve ever taken and it wont be the last course that I undertake with John and his team. Thank you for expanding my knowledge and leaving me excited with what I can learn from the woodlands.

MARY P Just spent another fabulous week with John Rhyder’s team from The Woodcraft School with instructors Phil Brooke and Joe Garnett, exceptional teachers and Master Craftsmen in their own right. Apart from being inspirational teachers they have the most inventive and patient way of teaching knots, with wonderful visual images to help us along. I haven’t laughed so much in ages. Thanks so much guys and to all the other people on the course, I wish you all lived near me so I could see you every day and looking forward so much to seeing you all again next month. It’s been the most exhausting, intense and exhilarating experience. Lots of sore muscles and a head so full of information it’s going to take me a couple of days to get it all into some sort of order. Lots of practical and theoretical homework now until assessment and accreditation in August……. off now to practice bow drill – my Nemesis!