



Step into a woodland setting for a weekend dedicated to learning bushcraft skills that will stay with you long after the course ends. You’ll gain practical knowledge in fire lighting, shelter building, water purification, and outdoor cooking while enjoying the simplicity of life in the outdoors. Whether you’re completely new to bushcraft or already have experience, the course is designed to challenge and inspire at every level.
On arrival, you’ll be introduced to the woodland that will serve as your classroom for the weekend. The first day is dedicated to fundamental skills such as fire lighting techniques, knife safety, and shelter construction. You’ll also cover safe methods for water collection and purification, before gathering for a communal dinner cooked over the fire. Sleeping arrangements are part of the experience, with the choice of a tarp or natural shelter provided.
Sunday builds on the skills learned, with tree and plant identification sessions, wild tea brewing, and hands-on foraging. You’ll also learn how to prepare small game, though participation is entirely optional. The course ends with a chance to bring everything together, as you forage for ingredients, purify water, and brew tea over a fire you’ve built yourself. It’s a rewarding way to test your new skills and leave with confidence in your ability to thrive in the outdoors.
The South London Woods course takes place on the Surrey–Croydon boundary, set within protected greenbelt land. Despite being just inside the M25, the woodland feels a world away from the city, surrounded by farmland, chalk downland, and meadows. Easy access by road, train, and bicycle makes it convenient for participants travelling from London and the surrounding counties.
Private courses can also be held in Gilestone Wood, located in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This secluded site is part of a working farm and provides an ideal environment for a more personalised bushcraft experience. The landscape offers an abundance of natural resources, making it a perfect backdrop for learning and practising wilderness skills.
Accommodation on this course is part of the hands-on experience, giving you the chance to try out simple shelters in a woodland setting. You can choose to sleep under a tarp provided by the instructors or build your own natural shelter using techniques learned on the course. Both options are designed to give you a practical understanding of how to create a safe and comfortable overnight set-up in the wild.
While the shelters are rustic, they allow you to experience outdoor living in a supported and safe environment. A good sleeping bag and roll mat are important for warmth, and instructors are available to help you set up or advise on construction techniques. Sleeping outdoors in this way is often a highlight for participants, providing a genuine taste of life in the woods.
No previous experience is required to take part in this weekend bushcraft course. All skills will be taught from the basics, with guidance and support provided every step of the way.
Participants should bring the required kit list, including suitable clothing, sleeping equipment, and personal essentials. A full list will be provided, and instructors will be on hand to advise on the suitability of any personal gear you wish to bring along.
The team of instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge of bushcraft and outdoor living. With years of practical experience and a strong background in teaching, they are skilled at making each course enjoyable, challenging, and safe. Their enthusiasm is matched by their ability to pass on skills in a clear and approachable way, leaving participants confident and inspired.
Courses are set in carefully chosen woodlands that provide a balance of accessibility and seclusion. From the South London greenbelt to the wild beauty of South Wales, each location offers a unique chance to step into nature and learn from the landscape. With a strong focus on customer experience, every detail has been considered to ensure that you come away with practical skills and lasting memories.
About the centre
South London
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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