“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 were the first company in the country to offer an accredited course designed specifically for bushcraft instructors in the UK. This programme of study remains very in-depth and comprehensive and is still the benchmark standard in bushcraft techniques for trainee instructors and enthusiasts alike. We do not now formally assess instructional skills but instead offer tips and advice to anyone wishing to pass these skills on. For anyone wishing to gain formal training and recognition in teaching there are several short courses available.
Course Content
Tool design, safe tool use and selection, carving techniques, use of axe, tree felling with hand tools (axes), cleaving and conversion of timber, atlatls, primitive glues, bark work, cordage, net making, ropes knots and lashings, natural shelters, modern shelters, effects of heat and cold, clothing, backcountry cooking techniques, game preparation, tree and plant identification and use, poisonous plants, wild food, natural navigation techniques, hazard tree recognition, animal track and sign recognition, finding and making water safe, effects of dehydration, fire lighting and management, bow drill, hand drill, natural and manmade tinder.
Duration and Time Commitment
It would be useful to have some prior knowledge of the subject before embarking on this programme but it is not essential. The award consists of nine modules totalling 27 days that are spread out across nine months. This allows the student to consolidate skills between each session.
If you are in any doubt about your suitability for the programme please feel free to contact us to discuss this.
To allow flexibility for the students, the course is organised so that the blocks that make up the applied course include weekends to lessen the impact of the working week. We believe this system allows students to attend the course and still remain fully employed. Students are also welcome to arrive the night before if they have a long way to travel and this is reflected in the dates below.
The course will take place entirely in the outdoors and you are expected to camp out for the duration. In addition to the sessions at our site you will also have a good deal of home study so be prepared to live, eat and sleep bushcraft for whole of the course!
This programme requires the student to be living in the outdoors and managing themselves, the environment and the camp and resources. With this in mind you are also expected to help out around the site with tasks such as bringing in water, washing up and collecting firewood.
Dates 2024/25
Modules and dates
- September 26 – 29th
- October 24th – 27th
- November 21 – 24th
- December 12th – 15th
- January 23 – 26th
- February 20 – 23rd
- March 27th – 30th
- April 24th -27th
- May 22 – 25th
If this course is full please contact us to be placed on a waiting list for cancellations.
Course Dates
Certificate in Applied Bushcraft – Level 4
Please read the following information before booking:
- Terms & Conditions – By booking on to our courses you agree
to our Terms & Conditions - The Course Kit List
Please note this is a self catered course and you are expected to camp and live outdoors throughout the duration of each module.
You need to be over 18 years of age to attend this programme.
This course is written and quality assured by Woodcraft School and run under licence by Phil Brooke. The course location is near Heathfield, East Sussex
Applied Bushcraft Starting Sept 2024 Places
Course: Certificate in Applied Bushcraft
Training: Sept 2024 - May 2025
Location: Nr Heathfield East Sussex
Start Time: 17.00-18.00 on the first day
Completion Time: 16.00 each block last day
Course Leader: Phil Brooke
Course Size: 12 (maximum)
Cost Per Person: £2160 (Deposit £100)
Course Reviews
Rob Crates
Hi Phil: Its been 2 years since my level 4 bushcraft programme with you and I have realised that I am still thinking about the course every day. Whether I’m recalling information, applying principles, making decisions through experiences gained, building on the thorough foundation you created or just fondly remembering things, some aspect of the level 4 programmes seems to crop up daily.Whilst I am not immersed in the woods as much as I would like, the content still seems alive and current to me. It helps me navigate some of my directions and decisions for work as I set my instructors on their roles, hopefully for them to connect the next generation with the outdoors.When I am in the woods it all feels so much richer, and I am even more curious about what I don’t yet know.So I wanted to thank you as you begin your year with another group and let you know that you are delivering a potent and impactful course that lasts well beyond the time it is delivered.
Wishing you all the best, I am sure our paths will cross again.
Rosemary Thomas
I have thoroughly cherished and been inspired by the experience of completing the Level 4 Applied Bushcraft with Phil Brooke of Woodcraft School. An extremely varied and informative course taking everything to the next level compared to week long bushcraft courses. A really great mix of practical experience backed up by solid theory and self led learning. I always enjoy the challenge of assessment which I feel pushes students to really embed the learning enabling them to study a subject area in depth. I have come out of the course having learnt so much, but even more special than that is having had my eyes opened even more to the wonderful world of natural living and bushcraft inspiring me to go forward and continue to learn even more. I would thoroughly recommend the course to those who have a drive to learn and the time to dedicate to enable you to embrace and get the most out of this course. I feel I have come away from the course with brand new skills; a deepening of knowledge in skills I already had explored; and a fantastic group of friends who I know 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 that I used to walk blindly past. It gave me tremendous confidence and experience to teach bushcraft myself, and also the curiosity to extend further and learn more about all the many subjects we covered, from ancestral skills to craftwork and wildlife tracking.
The team spirit and camaraderie that formed over the course was amazing and I learned something from every other student, who all have their own different life experiences to offer.
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. This goes way beyond the firesteels and knives that some bushcraft courses are focussed around and teaches you the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’.
I was so sad to see the end of the course, I wish I could keep coming back every month! If you’re curious enough about the course to visit this website, hesitate no longer and just book it!
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. This course provided me with the perfect environment to hone known skills and learn new ones. Phil is patient and will guide you in your learning, he will also push you to reach your potential. Taking place from October to June you will experience all seasons and be provided with a comprehensive outdoor experience.
Thank you to Phil, John and the other participants on the course for the guidance, teaching a friendship over those nine months.
