Combined Trailing Workshop & Evaluation

Overview

Trailing is the art and science of locating animals by reading their tracks, interpreting their behaviour, and following the subtle signs they leave behind. It creates an intimate connection with both the creature being tracked and the landscape it inhabits. Each trail tells a story — where an animal has fed, rested, quickened its pace, or paused, sometimes only moments before. When all goes well, the process leads to a close and unforgettable encounter, with the animal unaware of your presence.

This programme is designed to immerse students in that experience, combining practical fieldcraft with behavioural interpretation. By learning to trail, participants gain not only the ability to locate and follow wild animals but also a deeper awareness of wildlife and the environments through which they move. The course consists of three days of intensive training, followed by a two-day evaluation under the CyberTracker system, recognised internationally as the global standard for tracking and trailing evaluation.

Course Content

During the training phase, students are introduced to the full range of techniques needed to trail animals successfully in the wild. Teaching follows the CyberTracker framework, covering spoor recognition, anticipation of spoor, interpretation of behaviour, anticipation of movement, and awareness of potential dangers. These are supported by the cultivation of alertness and stealth, with each area broken down into detailed subcategories that together form one of the most comprehensive trailing systems available. The training is delivered almost entirely in the field, with students learning in realistic scenarios and spending most of their time actively following trails.

The evaluation phase takes place over two days, students are assessed on their ability to apply skills in real-world conditions, demonstrating accuracy in reading and following tracks, interpreting animal behaviour, anticipating movement, and maintaining safe and respectful practice. The CyberTracker qualification is widely recognised as the global standard in trailing and provides an internationally respected measure of ability.

To maximise the chances of reaching meaningful conclusions this programme and the valuation is limited to 4 people. The focuses is often on ungulates such as deer, whose behaviour and habitats offer excellent opportunities to practise and refine trailing skills. By the end of the programme, participants will have experienced both guided learning and rigorous assessment, ensuring their abilities are tested and recognised to the highest level.

Details of the evaluation process can be found here

Details

These programmes are taught and evaluated by John Rhyder who is certified as a senior tracker having scored 100% in both track and sign and trailing in specialist evaluations. This is the highest assessed level possible in the CyberTracker system. John is also an evaluator for the CyberTracker system in both track and sign and trailing and acts as the External evaluator for track and sign in Europe.

As part of the course, we’ll spend time outdoors on field trips. 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.

Fees

The cost of a wildlife trailing workshop/evaluation is £650 per person with a maximum of 4 participants on the programme.

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

Track and sign workshop/evaluation

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. 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 these programmes, 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 these programmes.

Course Dates 2026

If this course is full please contact us to be placed on a waiting list for cancellations. Should enough people express an interest we may run extra dates. We can also run these events at a location of your choosing.