Overview
This course introduces participants to the ‘essential skills’ of human tracking, focusing on universal principles rather than specific applications (e.g. search and rescue, anti-poaching, or law enforcement etc) which follow distinct protocols. It is ideal for anyone interested in recognising and following human sign. By learning to detect subtle signs of human movement, participants enhance their situational awareness and deepen their understanding of how people—and by extension, animals—move through various landscapes.
Tracking humans sharpens observational skills, as humans are another form of animal to follow. This awareness improves a tracker’s ability to read all types of terrain and species. Some may join the course to broaden their general tracking abilities, while others might use it as preparation for tracking elusive soft footed animals. Regardless of motivation, the course provides a practical foundation in human tracking.
Course Content
The Human Tracking Course combines observation, field practice, and knowledge of landscape and behaviour to teach participants how to identify, interpret, and follow human trails. It begins with the basics: understanding what tracking entails, ethical considerations, and developing the mindset of a tracker.
Participants learn to find and interpret trails, identify different types of sign, and distinguish human tracks from animal ones. A key focus is track interpretation, including track ageing, estimating pace and direction, and recognising individual versus group movement. Techniques for following and recovering a trail are taught step by step.
The course also develops anticipation and environmental awareness by teaching participants to use landscape features and human behaviour and psychological patterns to predict trail direction.
Practical applications of human tracking are explored, such as its role in outdoor education, ecological awareness, and wildlife tracking. The course concludes with immersive field scenarios where participants apply their skills individually and in teams, reinforcing everything learned through real-world practice.
Fees
The cost of this course is £480.
Catering
Please note this is a self catered course, but camping is available on our usual site in West Sussex
Details
This course is run by John Rhyder and Stani Groeneweg.
John is certified as Senior Tracker in Northern Europe having scored 100% in both track and sign and trailing in specialist evaluations, the highest assessed level possible in the Cybertracker system. John is also an evaluator for the CyberTracker system.
Stani is a certified Specialist in Trailing and a Professional Tracker level through the internationally recognised CyberTracker system. Since being mentored in man-tracking according to the UKSF system back in the early 2000s, he has gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience tracking across varied terrains worldwide. He regularly trains conservation rangers in Africa and Asia and he has featured as an expert, both on- and off-screen, for well-known TV productions.
The course takes place entirely outdoors. This may involve walking for extended periods on uneven ground and being in areas without regular toilet facilities, so a reasonable level of fitness and preparedness is recommended. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to get in touch.
Booking
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 although it is non residential you are welcome to camp at our site if you prefer. It is also possible to arrive the evening before but please call us to discuss this option. There will be some travel to other venues although we will endeavour to car share as much as possible.
NB: Camping is not integral to this programme, it is something we offer for the convenience of our students it is not part of the course fee. With this in mind please be aware that should you choose to stay on site you will be expected to help with the small tasks that facilitate the smooth running of the camp.
You need to be over 18 years of age to attend this programme.
Course Dates 2026
- Course: Human Tracking
- Location: West Sussex
- Date: 10-13 April 2026
- Start/Finish: 8.30-4.30
- Course Leader: John Rhyder
- Course size: 10 people
- Cost per person: £480
