Day in the Woods Bushcraft Experience in Westcott Woods, Chagford

No, our courses are designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, so previous experience is not essential. Each session starts with a briefing where your instructor will outline the plan for the day, discuss safety, and assess your current ability level. This ensures the activities and instruction are pitched appropriately for you. Even if you’re completely new, the training is structured to help you progress comfortably at your own pace.

For those with prior experience, the instructor will adapt the session so you can work on more advanced techniques. This personalised approach means mixed-ability groups can train together without anyone feeling out of their depth or held back. Our goal is for every participant to finish the course with improved skills, more confidence, and a sense of achievement.

The majority of specialist equipment is provided, but you may be asked to bring personal items such as suitable clothing, sturdy footwear, and waterproof layers depending on the course. It’s important to dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions, and avoid wearing anything you wouldn’t want to get wet or muddy.

A kit list will be sent to you in advance so you can prepare properly. If you already own some of the required gear, you’re welcome to bring it along for your own comfort, but it must meet our safety standards. For items we provide, our team checks and maintains everything regularly to ensure it’s in safe working order.

Courses run in most weather conditions, so a bit of rain or wind usually won’t stop the day from going ahead. Activities can often be adapted to work in less-than-perfect conditions, and our instructors are experienced in adjusting sessions so they remain safe and enjoyable. Sometimes, the weather can even make the experience more memorable.

However, if the forecast presents genuine safety concerns—such as extreme winds, flooding, or thunderstorms—the course may be postponed or adjusted. In that case, we’ll contact you as early as possible to discuss your options, including rescheduling or transferring to a different course.

Courses are designed for small groups to make sure each participant gets plenty of individual attention from the instructor. Keeping numbers low allows for better communication, tailored feedback, and the flexibility to adjust the pace to suit everyone’s abilities. This approach also makes the sessions feel more personal and relaxed, which can be especially important for building confidence and skills.

A smaller group means you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions, practise techniques, and get direct guidance without feeling rushed. It also encourages a supportive atmosphere where participants can share experiences and learn from each other. By limiting numbers, the instructor can focus on helping each person progress at their own speed, ensuring the training feels both engaging and manageable.

The one-day course offers a practical introduction to fundamental bushcraft skills with a focus on hands-on learning. You’ll get the chance to learn and practice fire-lighting by friction, build basic shelters, and identify edible wild plants and fungi. The pace is designed to be approachable yet engaging, ensuring you gain useful techniques by the end of the day.

Alongside skill-building, you will enjoy fire-cooked food prepared on site, allowing you to understand how to use natural resources for nutrition. The course also emphasises outdoor safety and sustainable practices, encouraging you to appreciate the environment while developing practical knowledge.

Yes, the course balances skill sessions with periods for resting and soaking in the surroundings. Whether it’s sitting quietly by the fire sipping wild teas or exploring nearby woodland trails, time is built in to appreciate the natural setting beyond formal activities.

This downtime helps deepen your connection with the environment and provides moments to reflect on new skills. It also allows you to recharge, making the learning experience enjoyable and well-rounded.

Although the one-day course itself does not include accommodation, there is an option to stay overnight in bell tents on site. These tents are comfortably furnished with camp beds, carpets, and hot water bottles, providing a warm and inviting space to rest if you choose to extend your experience into the evening or following day.

The campsite offers compost toilets and a fire-heated shower for guest use. This optional accommodation allows you to enjoy a full day in the woods without needing to travel back immediately, creating a more relaxed and immersive experience.