Train with purpose. Learn with depth. Rediscover the craft of traditional woodland management grounded in modern ecological understanding. Understand not only the science behind the trees, but the practical skill of managing them well. Step into the woods not just as a visitor, but as a confident and responsible steward of the land.

This course is specifically designed to enable you to effectively manage and understand woodland to a high degree. It goes far beyond the physical aspects of tree felling and management techniques — we also explore woodland ecology in depth, grounding practical skills in up-to-date tree science and ecological understanding.

The course is broken down into two key areas: tree biology and woodland management systems, followed by practical application in the woods using real-world techniques for felling, ride management and block management.

This woodland management course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to care for and sustain woodland areas. It focuses on a range of objectives including conservation, timber production and biodiversity.

Participants learn how to maintain the health and resilience of woodland while balancing its ecological, economic and social value. The curriculum combines theory with hands-on fieldwork, including visual tree and site surveys, as well as simple woodland management plan development.

Key Topics Covered

Ecology & Biodiversity

• Assessing woodland habitats

• Identifying flora and fauna

• Understanding woodland structure

• The importance of deadwood

• Enhancing biodiversity

Planning & Design

• Understanding woodland structure

• Managing young and ancient woodland

• Species choice and ride management systems

Practical Woodland Management

• Coppicing – a fundamental traditional woodland skill

• Thinning – promoting the growth of selected trees

• Traditional tree felling

• Safe use of hand tools

Course Content

• Understanding how trees function

• Visual tree assessments

• Tree biology

• Winter tree identification

• Ride management

• Traditional tree felling

• Rope systems

• Timber conversion

• Safe use of an axe

• Hand tools

• Felling aids

• Sustainable harvesting

• Timber extraction methods

Duration
The course runs over three full days.

On the first day, you will arrive at 5:00pm to set up camp, followed by an informal evening talk introducing the key themes of the course. Full working days follow, concluding at 4:00pm on the final day.

Catering
This is a self-catered course.

Upon booking, you will receive detailed PDFs containing further course information and advice on recommended food and kit.

Dates & Times
February 2027 – Places Available
Thu 18th (arrive 5pm) – Fri 19th – Sat 20th – Sun 21st (finishes 4pm)

Workshop places are updated daily.

Camping & Facilities
Woodland camping is included at no extra cost.

However, camping is not a requirement, and there are plenty of local B&Bs and hotels available nearby.

Please let us know if you intend to camp. Camping is essential if you are enrolled on the Level 4 qualification.

Course Size
Maximum 10 participants.

Location
Near Waldron, East Sussex.

Details
The course is delivered outdoors from our comfortable expedition-style camp and our old barn classroom.

Appropriate warm outdoor clothing is required. Waterproofs, gloves and a change of boots are strongly recommended.

This is an adult course only.

Upon booking, you will receive in-depth joining instructions in the form of PDFs, including a recommended kit list, directions, course information and a medical form.

Please check the email account you booked with — and your spam folder — as emails with attachments are sometimes filtered from your inbox.

Tools
A well-made small forest axe is required for this course. Gransfors Bruk, Hultafors and Thorn Wood Forge and other reputable makers offer excellent options. Choose an axe at least as long as the distance from your hand to your elbow, there’s no need for anything longer.

Social Media
A picture paints a thousand words, so please check out our social media to see images from our workshops.

Reviews
Mitchell Linnett – April 2022
“These guys are top of their game. Fantastic courses run by real masters who have a wealth of experience. I couldn’t recommend Phil and the team enough! Best bushcraft/woodcraft school in the country.”

Josh Smith – September 2024
“I’ve completed a variety of courses with Phil now: the Level 3 Bushcraft Award, the Bow Making Workshop, Arrow Making Workshop, Level 4 Applied Bushcraft Award and the Level 4 Bowmaking. The simple reason I keep coming back is that Phil is one of the best instructors in the industry. He is a full-time professional bowyer and an experienced woodsman, but more importantly, he has an incredible ability to transfer his skills and experience to others. I can’t recommend Chosen Paths enough to anyone interested in bushcraft, wilderness survival skills, ethnobotany, green woodworking, deer butchery or bow making. It’s been a pleasure to learn from Phil over the last couple of years. Massive thanks!”

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

Fees
The cost of this course is £325 per person.

We will invoice the remaining £225 four to six weeks prior to the course start date. The deposit guarantees your place on the course.

For any further questions, please feel free to contact us directly.