Train with purpose. Learn with depth. Explore the plants around you. Rediscover the connection between yourself and the natural world with an in-depth study of trees, plants, wild food, and herbal medicine. Step into the woods ready to identify, harvest, and use flora safely and sustainably, taking your outdoor knowledge to a new level of mastery.

The Dendrophile, meaning “nature or tree lover,” is a Plants & Trees Workshop focusing on identification, folklore, uses, wild food, and herbal medicine. This three-day workshop is an in-depth look at native and naturalized species commonly found in our woodlands and meadows in the Sussex High Weald. The workshop aims to cover at least 30–40 species each day, with day one focusing on trees and woodland history, and day two on plants.

Course Content

• Key identification features of trees and plants

• Ethnobotanical uses for medicine, wild food, bushcraft, dyes, and clothing

• Botanical names and taxonomy

• Folk history and traditional uses 

• The most dangerous and poisonous species 

• Recommended guides and books

• Morning and afternoon practical sessions 

• Wild food recipes

• Personalised herbal preparations including balms, creams, and medicines

Who is it for

This workshop is ideal for outdoor professionals looking to upskill, or anyone with an interest in the outdoors seeking a deeper understanding of the plants they may encounter in the woods.

Duration

The course runs over 3 days, with the option to arrive the night before at 5pm to set up your camps. Official workshop content begins the next morning. This early arrival is convenient for those travelling a long distance at no extra cost.

Location & Facilities

The course is run from the comfort of our woodland workshop and woodland camp nestled deep in the woods. Facilities include:

• Outdoor kitchen

• Showers

• Toilets, including a composting toilet

• Camping included in the woods or field campsite

• Self-contained camper vans welcome

Booking Details

Upon booking, you’ll receive in-depth joining instructions in PDFs including a recommended kit list, directions, course information, and a medical form. Please check your spam folder after booking as emails with attachments are sometimes filtered.

Social Media

A picture paints a thousand words, so please check out our Instagram to see pictures from our workshops.

Dates & Timings 2026

Thu 2nd July (arrive 5pm) – Fri 3rd – Sat 4th – Sun 5th July 2026 (places available)
Start times 08:45 each day, finishing at 17:00

Course Size

Maximum 10 participants (adult course only)

Camping

Woodland camping is included at no extra cost but is not a requirement.

Location

Near Hellingly, East Sussex

Catering

Non-catered. Tea and coffee will be available.

Fees

The cost of this course is £325 per person. We will invoice the remaining £225 4–6 weeks prior to the course start date. The deposit guarantees your place.

Reviews

Lucy Holmes
"I thoroughly loved the Dendrophile workshop weekend. The workshop was held in one of the most unspoilt and vibrant pieces of woodland I have been to in a long time. Being introduced to such a wide variety of trees and plants was a real pleasure under the expert and friendly tuition of Phil and Scott. I loved finding out about the variety of uses of plants that, until now, I would have walked past without thinking about. The course was accessible, friendly, and thoughtfully designed, leaving me with many ideas for future projects. Staying in the woodland added a magical element. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to build their knowledge of plants and trees."

We feel reviews help others make informed decisions on our courses and products. Please take a read of the genuine reviews from our clients on the review page.

For any further questions

Please contact us directly.