Escape to the Sea – Coastal Bushcraft & Foraging Course in Devon

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 coastal and river environments visited on this course are home to a diverse range of wildlife. You may spot grey seals basking on secluded beaches, gannets diving for fish, and peregrine falcons soaring above cliffs. Tide pools reveal marine creatures like crabs and starfish, offering opportunities to observe coastal ecosystems closely.

Birdsong and other natural sounds provide a rich backdrop to the course, enhancing the connection to place. The instructor will help identify species and explain their role in the local environment, enriching your understanding of the coastal ecosystem.

The group will walk sections of the South West Coast Path, engaging in navigation practice and foraging.

Bushcraft skills such as outdoor cooking with foraged ingredients, shelter building near the shore, and safe handling of wildlife finds are woven into the journey. This integration keeps the experience varied and dynamic while building practical knowledge connected to both land and water.