You’ll spend a full day in the woods learning to read the signs left by wildlife, from tracks to droppings and feeding marks. Moving through a variety of habitats, you’ll be guided by experienced instructors who show you how to observe and interpret evidence that most people overlook. By the end of the day, you’ll have the skills to recognise animal activity wherever you go.
The course is hands-on and practical, with a focus on exploring the woodland to identify animal signs. You’ll walk through diverse habitats, including chalk grassland, managed hazel coppice, and plantation within ancient woodland. As you go, you’ll study footprints, droppings, feeding signs, resting places, and territorial marks left by mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
In addition to what you encounter on the day, you’ll examine a curated collection of specimens from the instructors, including feathers, skulls, and footprint casts. These examples allow you to practise identification techniques and build a reference for recognising signs in the field. Throughout the day, guidance is clear and tailored to your level of experience, so whether you are completely new to tracking or already have some outdoor knowledge, you’ll leave with greater confidence in reading animal activity.
The course takes place in South London Woods, situated on the Surrey–Croydon boundary. The woodland combines open grassland, managed coppice, and ancient tree plantations, supporting a wide range of wildlife. Its mix of habitats allows you to study different types of tracks and sign in one day, from small mammals to birds and invertebrates.
Despite being easily accessible from London, the woods feel secluded and peaceful. The combination of natural features and quiet spaces makes it a perfect environment for hands-on wildlife learning, allowing you to focus fully on observation and practical skills.
No previous experience is required to join the course, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to develop a deeper understanding of wildlife sign. A basic level of fitness is helpful, as you will be walking for much of the day and spending time outdoors in variable conditions.
All participants should bring suitable clothing and personal kit as listed in advance. The course is designed to provide full support and guidance, so you can learn confidently and safely while focusing on practical skills.
The instructors bring years of practical experience combined with formal training, including CyberTracker Level 2 qualifications earned in the UK and South Africa. Their expertise ensures that you receive high-quality instruction and insight into animal behaviour and tracking techniques.
Small group sizes allow for personalised guidance, giving you plenty of time to practise skills and ask questions. Courses are designed to be engaging, practical, and safe, leaving you confident in your ability to read wildlife signs and inspired to continue observing nature after the session.
No previous experience is required. The Track and Sign course is suitable for beginners, with instructors guiding you through identification techniques and woodland observation skills at a comfortable pace. Even if you’ve never studied wildlife tracking before, you’ll receive support throughout the day.
The course is also suitable for those with some outdoor experience who want to develop a deeper understanding of animal signs. Small group sizes allow for personalised guidance, meaning everyone can progress at their own speed.
You should bring suitable clothing and footwear for walking in the woods in all weather conditions, including layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots. A rucksack is recommended to carry your kit comfortably during the 20-minute walk from the parking area to the woodland.
Other useful items include a water bottle (minimum 1 litre), notebook and pencil, personal medication, and snacks for the day. A full kit list will be sent after booking to ensure you’re prepared.
No, this is a self-catered course. You’ll need to bring your own meals and snacks for the day. Having portable food and drinks is essential as you will be moving through different habitats for the full session.
Hot water is provided on site for tea, coffee, or other beverages if you bring a personal brew kit. While cooking is not a requirement, you’re welcome to enjoy simple outdoor preparation of meals if you’d like.
The course involves walking through woodland and other habitats for much of the day. While it’s not strenuous, you should be comfortable being on your feet and walking over uneven terrain.
The pace is steady with regular stops to examine tracks, droppings, and other signs. Instructors ensure breaks are included, making it manageable for most participants while still being engaging.
The course runs in most weather conditions, as working with nature is part of learning bushcraft and tracking skills. Rain or wind offers opportunities to practise identifying tracks and signs in varied conditions.
If weather is extreme and unsafe, the course may be postponed or rescheduled. Participants will be notified in advance. In most cases, less-than-ideal conditions only enhance the practical learning experience.
Yes, you’ll have the chance to study feathers, skulls, footprint casts, and other collected specimens. These tools help you understand key identification features and make the skills learned in the field easier to recognise.
All handling is guided and supervised by instructors, ensuring you stay safe while developing practical experience in tracking and sign analysis.
Group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants. This ensures you get personalised attention from the instructors and plenty of time to practise skills.
Small groups also foster a friendly, collaborative learning environment where you can share observations and discuss findings with your fellow learners.
About the centre
South London Woods
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 Pippin & Gile Bushcraft & Foraging Courses, a partner of adventuro.
