Spending five days on this bushcraft course allows participants to gain an in-depth, immersive experience in woodland skills while developing confidence and independence. The course covers the essential areas of fire, shelter, food, and water, with plenty of practical exercises to ensure skills are retained and transferable to other outdoor pursuits. Seasonal conditions and the mix of participants make each course unique.
Participants begin with a short walk from the meeting point to the woodland camp, followed by safety guidance and tool introduction. Early sessions focus on basic firelighting, knife work, and shelter construction, with instructors demonstrating techniques before participants practise independently.
As the course progresses, learners expand their skills to include advanced fire methods, water collection and purification, and crafting functional items from natural materials. Team projects such as creating fire by friction encourage collaboration, while guided woodland walks enhance plant and tree identification knowledge.
In the final days, participants consolidate their skills through practical challenges, including foraging, cooking, and making cordage. By the end, everyone leaves with practical, repeatable bushcraft skills and the confidence to use them safely in a variety of outdoor environments.
The course takes place in Westwell, Kent, within 35 acres of private ancient broadleaf woodland on the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The setting offers rich biodiversity and an inspiring environment for learning and practising bushcraft.
Wildlife includes owls, woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, deer, foxes, and squirrels, alongside numerous native trees and wildflowers. The short walk from the meeting point leads to the camp, and participant bags are transported in a 4×4 to minimise carrying.
Overnight participants camp on-site in tents, bringing their own or hiring from the course organisers if needed. The woodland offers a peaceful, sheltered environment, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully in the outdoors.
The camp is equipped with covered composting toilets, and meals are prepared on-site. Participants should bring suitable sleeping gear, clothing, and personal items to ensure comfort throughout the five days.
No prior bushcraft or outdoor experience is required. Participants should be prepared for full days outdoors in varying weather and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Children aged 12 and above may attend with a responsible adult, while certain specialist activities such as axe work and forge sessions remain restricted to adults.
Founded in 2011, the instructors have extensive experience and a deep passion for bushcraft and the British countryside. Small group sizes provide personal attention, enabling participants to develop practical, repeatable skills in a supportive environment.
The course integrates woodland conservation and sustainable practices into all activities. Participants leave with confidence, knowledge, and the ability to apply bushcraft skills safely while respecting the natural environment.
Courses take place in Westwell, Kent, which is easily accessible by road from the M20 and M2. For those travelling by train, Ashford International station is just 5 miles away, with a high-speed connection from St. Pancras taking around 40 minutes. Charing station is also close, approximately 4 miles from the site, and taxis can be arranged in advance if needed.
The woodland setting is slightly off the beaten track, providing a quiet environment for bushcraft learning while remaining within convenient reach of local transport links. Once you arrive, the walk to the woodland camp is about 15 minutes at a gentle pace, with the final stretch uphill. Your gear will be transported most of the way in a 4×4, so only light carrying is required.
Courses are designed to be enjoyable and educational, providing hands-on experience in bushcraft while keeping you warm, dry, and well fed. Activities vary depending on the course type but generally cover practical skills like firelighting, tool use, shelter building, and woodland awareness. Reviews from past participants highlight both the learning and the social atmosphere of the courses.
You won’t need to worry about extreme survival tests; the focus is on learning at a comfortable pace. Covered teaching areas and a yurt with a wood-burning stove are available, so you’ll have shelter from the weather. Outdoor activities continue in all weathers except in cases of high winds, and waterproofs are recommended for all participants.
Most courses are aimed at adults, but children aged 12 and over may join, provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Only one adult may accompany one child on a course. The adult is responsible for the safety and behaviour of the under-18 participant throughout the session. This ensures a safe and manageable learning environment for everyone.
Pets and alcohol are not allowed on courses. The woodland setting includes livestock nearby, and there is regular use of knives, axes, and other tools, which makes bringing animals unsafe. Some participants also prefer a dog-free environment, which is taken into account.
Courses aim to maintain a safe, focused environment for all attendees, so alcohol and pets are not permitted. This ensures everyone can concentrate on learning and enjoying the bushcraft activities.
The woodland is carefully managed to protect its natural environment. Conservation and sustainable woodland management are integral to all courses, and participants are encouraged to learn about natural history and responsible practices as part of the experience.
Course sizes are kept small, usually a maximum of 8 people, to minimise environmental impact and ensure a more personalised learning experience. Every activity is designed to respect the woodland while providing meaningful bushcraft education.
Participants stay on-site in the woodland camp, with space for tents and personal sleeping gear. The site is peaceful and sheltered, allowing an immersive outdoor experience while being close to the course activities. Participants can bring their own tents, roll mats, and sleeping bags, or hire them from the organisers if needed.
Facilities include covered composting toilets and areas for cooking and socialising. Meals are prepared on-site, and the camp is designed to provide a comfortable and practical environment for overnight stays throughout the five days. Participants should ensure they bring suitable clothing and personal items for a full week outdoors.
After you’ve made your booking, the centre will send a comprehensive joining pack 6 to 8 weeks before the session. This pack contains essential information about the meeting point, what to bring, clothing and equipment recommendations, and any other instructions needed to fully participate in the course.
It is important to bring this joining pack with you on the day, as it includes guidance that ensures you are properly prepared, helping the session run smoothly and safely from start to finish.
About the centre
Westwell, Kent
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Jack Raven Bushcraft, a partner of adventuro.
