Train with purpose. Learn with depth. Leave with skills that last a lifetime. Step into the woods and take your bushcraft to the next level with our Level 4 Applied Bushcraft Programme. This course is designed for those seeking mastery, offering in-depth physical and theoretical learning to develop both practical skills and a deep understanding of woodland life.

Phil Brooke is the Chief Instructor at Woodcraft School in West Sussex, where he licenses and delivers a range of courses, including the Applied Bushcraft Level 4, Bushcraft Advanced Award Level 3, Bushcraft Intermediate Award Level 2, and the Traditional Bow Making Level 4.

For more information on our full range of bushcraft and natural history courses, please follow the links below each course description for bookings.

Certificate in Applied Bushcraft – Level 4

"The syllabus is packed, keeping you busy at all times without feeling gruelling because everything is so interesting and the instruction is top-notch. Each session builds on the skills already learned, giving ample opportunity for each student to practise and become self-sufficient in the woodland." – Alex DeWitt

Woodcraft School was the first organisation in the UK to offer an accredited course specifically for bushcraft instructors. This programme is very in-depth and the most comprehensive of its kind in the UK, setting the benchmark for bushcraft techniques for both trainees and enthusiasts.

Course Content

• Tool design, safe tool use, and selection

• Carving techniques

• Use of axe

• Tree felling with hand tools

• Cleaving and timber conversion

• Atlatls

• Primitive glues

• Bark work

• Cordage, rope knots, and lashings

• Natural and modern shelters

• Effects of heat and cold injuries

• Back-country cooking techniques

• Game preparation

• Tree and plant identification, uses, and poisonous plants

• Wild food and herbal first aid/medicine

• Natural navigation techniques

• Tree hazard recognition

• Animal track and sign recognition

• Finding and making water safe

• Effects of dehydration

• Theory of hypothermia and hyperthermia

• Fire lighting and management (bow drill, hand drill, natural and man-made tinder)

Duration and Time Commitment

Prior bushcraft knowledge is helpful but not essential. The programme consists of 10 modules, totaling 30 days, spread across 12–24 months and all four seasons. This allows students to consolidate skills between sessions.

• Flexibility: Complete in 12 months or spread over a longer period to consolidate learning and manage costs.

• Scheduling: Modules are organised around weekends to reduce conflict with work. Students may arrive the night before if travelling long distances.

• Living outdoors: The programme is entirely outdoors. Participants are expected to camp and manage themselves, the environment, and the camp resources. Tasks include collecting firewood, bringing water, and washing up.

• Self-catered: Participants are responsible for their own meals throughout the modules.

You must be over 18 to attend.

This course is written and quality assured by Woodcraft School and run under licence by Phil Brooke.

Course Details

Course: Certificate in Applied Bushcraft – Level 4
Location: Nr Hellingly, East Sussex
Start Time: 5:00 pm on the first day of each module
Completion Time: 4:00 pm on the last day of each block
Course Leader: Phil Brooke
Course Size: 10 (maximum)
Cost per Person: £3075 (Deposit £200, remaining £2875 can be paid in 12 monthly installments or per module)

Modules and Dates (2026–2027)

To complete the qualification, you must attend 9 modules, complete a course portfolio, and attend the Assessment module. You may complete this over 12–24 months, starting at any point of the year.

• The Spirit of Bushcraft: 27–30 Aug 2026 / 23–26 Sept 2027

• The Autumn Forager: 8–11 Oct 2026 / 7th - 10 Oct 2027

• Traditional Deer Butchery: 26–29 Nov 2026 / 25–28 Nov 2027

• Wilderness Wintercraft: 10–13 Dec 2026 / 9–12 Dec 2027

• Traditional Woodland Management: 18th –21st Feb 2027

• British Animals, Tracks & Sign: 25–28 Mar 2027

• Ancient Crafts & Primitive Technologies: 23–26 Apr 2026 / 22–25 Apr 2027

• The Craftsman – Greenwood Carving: 28–31 May 2026 / 27–30 May 2027

• The Dendrophile – Plant ID, Wild Food & Medicine: 2–5 July 2026 / 10–13 June 2027

• Assessment Module Weekend: Annually, first weekend of July

Booking Notes:

To book onto this programme, pay the deposit below. This secures your place on the programme and covers the final assessment module. You may then book onto individual workshop modules at your convenience. Modules often become fully booked, so it’s recommended to email your preferred sessions in advance. Payments for modules are made closer to each session ton help spread costs, and the course must be completed within 24 months of the first module.

Participants must be over 18 years of age.

Certification

The programme is Level 4, benchmarked against national standards. Successful candidates receive the Certificate in Applied Bushcraft from NCFE, underscoring the quality of this programme.

Assessment:
Assessment includes observation, Q&A sessions, written papers, identification tests, and assignments. The process is rigorous, ensuring full understanding of each subject area.

It is possible to participate in the training element without assessment, in which case a certificate of attendance is awarded.

Entry Requirements:
We expect students to have a good level of bushcraft experience, ideally gained through our Advanced Bushcraft Award Level 3.

Read more about our Certificate of Applied Bushcraft Level 4 in this Article:

 https://www.philbrookelongbows.co.uk/page/what-is-the-certificate-of-applied-bushcraft-level-4/254/

Course Reviews

Rosemary Thomas
"I have thoroughly cherished and been inspired by completing the Level 4 Applied Bushcraft with Phil Brooke. An extremely varied and informative course taking everything to the next level compared to week-long bushcraft courses. A perfect mix of practical experience, solid theory, and self-led learning. I feel I have gained new skills, deepened existing knowledge, and made friends who will continue to support each other in the years to come."

Alex DeWitt
"This course shifted the way I see the world around me, putting me more in touch with my environment. It gave me confidence to teach bushcraft, curiosity to learn more, and an understanding of the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. The syllabus is packed, but every session builds on the last, giving ample opportunity to practise and become self-sufficient. I was sad to see the course end — I wish I could keep coming back every month!"

Stephen Fletcher
"The Certificate in Applied Bushcraft builds on the foundation of the Advanced Award, under the excellent mentoring of Phil Brooke. Bushcraft is a vast subject with many facets, and this course provided the perfect environment to hone skills and learn new ones. Experiencing all seasons, from October to June, gave a comprehensive outdoor experience. Phil is patient, guides your learning, and pushes you to reach your potential."

Bushcraft is about the skills and knowledge that allow you to thrive in a raw, natural environment. Time-tested techniques, often passed down by indigenous peoples, and simple yet robust tools encourage self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and a deep connection with the natural world.