“The syllabus is packed, keeping you busy at all times without feeling gruelling because everything is so interesting and the instruction is top notch. Each session builds on the skills already learned, giving ample opportunity for each student to practise and become self sufficient in the woodland’ Alex DeWitt
Overview
Woodcraft School was the first organisation in the UK to offer an accredited course specifically designed for bushcraft instructors, and it continues to set the benchmark for bushcraft techniques for both trainee instructors and enthusiasts. While formal assessment of teaching skills is no longer part of the programme, we provide guidance and advice for those wishing to pass on their knowledge, and for those seeking formal recognition in teaching, several short courses are available.
It would be useful to have some prior knowledge of bushcraft before embarking on this programme, though it is not essential. The award is structured into nine modules plus an additional assessment module, spread across either 12-24 month, you can decide how long you want to spent completing the qualification. The course is organised in blocks that include weekends to reduce the impact on the working week, making it accessible to those who are fully employed. Students with long journeys are welcome to arrive the night before, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
The programme is delivered entirely outdoors, and participants are expected to camp for the duration. In addition to on-site sessions, a significant portion of home study is required, so students should be prepared to immerse themselves fully in bushcraft—living, eating, and sleeping the skills throughout the course. If you are in any doubt about your suitability, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.
Course Content
Throughout the programme, students are guided through a broad and immersive range of bushcraft skills. You will learn about tool design and safe use, carving techniques, hand-tool tree felling, and timber conversion, alongside traditional crafts such as primitive glues, bark work, cordage and net making, and essential knots and lashings.
Practical survival skills are explored across a variety of areas, including shelter construction using both natural and modern techniques, fire lighting and management—covering bow drill and hand drill methods—backcountry cooking, game preparation, and foraging for wild food. Students also gain knowledge in tree and plant identification, including poisonous species, recognising animal tracks and signs, natural navigation, and sourcing safe water.
The programme emphasises not just skills, but the ability to manage the physical challenges of the outdoors, including the effects of heat, cold, and dehydration. By the end of the course, participants are confident and competent in a wide spectrum of bushcraft skills, ready to live, work, and share their knowledge in the natural environment.
This programme requires the student to be living in the outdoors and managing themselves, the environment and the camp and resources. With this in mind you are also expected to help out around the site with tasks such as bringing in water, washing up and collecting firewood.
Course Dates
This course in run under license on our behalf by Phil Brooke dates and further details are available HERE
Course Dates
Certificate in Applied Bushcraft – Level 4
Please read the following information before booking:
- Terms & Conditions – By booking on to our courses you agree
to our Terms & Conditions - The Course Kit List
Please note this is a self catered course and you are expected to camp and live outdoors throughout the duration of each module.
You need to be over 18 years of age to attend this programme.
This course is written and quality assured by Woodcraft School and run under licence by Phil Brooke. The course location is near Heathfield, East Sussex
Course Reviews
Rob Crates
Hi Phil: Its been 2 years since my level 4 bushcraft programme with you and I have realised that I am still thinking about the course every day. Whether I’m recalling information, applying principles, making decisions through experiences gained, building on the thorough foundation you created or just fondly remembering things, some aspect of the level 4 programmes seems to crop up daily.Whilst I am not immersed in the woods as much as I would like, the content still seems alive and current to me. It helps me navigate some of my directions and decisions for work as I set my instructors on their roles, hopefully for them to connect the next generation with the outdoors.When I am in the woods it all feels so much richer, and I am even more curious about what I don’t yet know.So I wanted to thank you as you begin your year with another group and let you know that you are delivering a potent and impactful course that lasts well beyond the time it is delivered.
Wishing you all the best, I am sure our paths will cross again.
Rosemary Thomas
I have thoroughly cherished and been inspired by the experience of completing the Level 4 Applied Bushcraft with Phil Brooke of Woodcraft School. An extremely varied and informative course taking everything to the next level compared to week long bushcraft courses. A really great mix of practical experience backed up by solid theory and self led learning. I always enjoy the challenge of assessment which I feel pushes students to really embed the learning enabling them to study a subject area in depth. I have come out of the course having learnt so much, but even more special than that is having had my eyes opened even more to the wonderful world of natural living and bushcraft inspiring me to go forward and continue to learn even more. I would thoroughly recommend the course to those who have a drive to learn and the time to dedicate to enable you to embrace and get the most out of this course. I feel I have come away from the course with brand new skills; a deepening of knowledge in skills I already had explored; and a fantastic group of friends who I know will continue to support each other in the years to come.
Alex Dewitt
This course shifted the way I see the world around me, putting me more in touch with my environment that I used to walk blindly past. It gave me tremendous confidence and experience to teach bushcraft myself, and also the curiosity to extend further and learn more about all the many subjects we covered, from ancestral skills to craftwork and wildlife tracking.
The team spirit and camaraderie that formed over the course was amazing and I learned something from every other student, who all have their own different life experiences to offer.
The syllabus is packed, keeping you busy at all times without feeling gruelling because everything is so interesting and the instruction is top notch. Each session builds on the skills already learned, giving ample opportunity for each student to practise and become self sufficient in the woodland. This goes way beyond the firesteels and knives that some bushcraft courses are focussed around and teaches you the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’.
I was so sad to see the end of the course, I wish I could keep coming back every month! If you’re curious enough about the course to visit this website, hesitate no longer and just book it!
Stephen Fletcher
The certificate in applied bushcraft builds on the foundation of the advanced award under the excellent mentoring of Phil Brooke
Bushcraft is a vast subject with many facets. This course provided me with the perfect environment to hone known skills and learn new ones. Phil is patient and will guide you in your learning, he will also push you to reach your potential. Taking place from October to June you will experience all seasons and be provided with a comprehensive outdoor experience.
Thank you to Phil, John and the other participants on the course for the guidance, teaching a friendship over those nine months.
