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These assessments provide the opportunity to gain formal recognition for your bushcraft skills through the Institute for Outdoor Learning. They are suitable for those working towards the Award, Certificate, or Diploma and can be booked individually or in small groups. Assessments are held in a woodland setting and focus on practical demonstration of competence.
The assessment day is designed to evaluate your existing bushcraft knowledge and practical abilities. You will be asked to demonstrate a variety of skills according to the level of assessment booked, from core techniques for the Award to more advanced tasks for the Certificate.
You can attend individually or in small groups of up to three, allowing the instructors to focus on each participant’s performance. The day includes practical tasks covering tools, fire-making, shelter construction, plant identification, and other essential bushcraft skills.
Assessment guidance and feedback are provided throughout the day, ensuring you understand your performance and any areas requiring further development. Successful participants will be awarded the relevant IOL Bushcraft Competency recognition.
The assessments take place in a 35-acre private ancient woodland in Westwell, Kent, within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The woodland provides a varied and authentic environment for practical skill evaluation.
The site is accessible from London by both road and rail. From the meeting point, there is a short walk to the woodland camp, with your kit transported by 4x4 to make the start of the day straightforward.
For the Award assessment, participants should have basic bushcraft experience. For the Certificate assessment, prior completion of the Award or equivalent experience is required.
It is recommended that you contact the team before booking to ensure your skills are at the appropriate level for the assessment you intend to take.
The centre offers flexible assessment dates in a professional woodland setting, allowing participants to demonstrate their skills in a realistic environment. Experienced instructors provide clear guidance and feedback throughout the day.
Small group sizes ensure that each participant receives individual attention and support. The site and instructors are experienced in preparing participants for IOL recognition, ensuring assessments run smoothly and efficiently.
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.
The assessments provide formal recognition for your bushcraft skills through the Institute for Outdoor Learning. They are essential for anyone looking to gain the Award, Certificate, or Diploma and demonstrate their competence in practical woodland skills.
Each assessment focuses on evaluating your ability to safely and effectively apply bushcraft techniques. Instructors observe and provide feedback to ensure you meet the standards required for the level you are being assessed on.
You can book assessments for the Bushcraft Competency Award or Certificate. The Certificate requires more advanced skills than the Award and builds on prior experience and training.
Participants aiming for the Diploma must already hold the Certificate and complete a separate 2-day assessment, so this one-day assessment is primarily for Award and Certificate levels.
Participants should have previous bushcraft experience. For the Award, basic bushcraft skills are sufficient, while the Certificate requires prior completion of the Award or equivalent experience.
Small groups of up to three participants are allowed, or you may book individually. This ensures that all participants receive focused attention during the assessment.
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.
For the Award, you will be expected to demonstrate core bushcraft techniques such as knife and saw use, fire-lighting, shelter construction, and basic plant identification.
The Certificate assessment includes more advanced tasks, such as animal processing, plant foraging, advanced fire management, and teaching techniques. Both levels assess practical competence, safety, and environmental awareness.
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
Dunn Street Farm, Dunn Street, Westwell, Ashford, Kent TN25 4NJ
Operated by Jack Raven Bushcraft, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £150
