Overview
Trailing is the art and science of locating animals by reading their tracks, interpreting their behaviour, and following the subtle signs they leave behind. It creates an intimate connection with both the creature being tracked and the landscape it inhabits. Each trail tells a story — where an animal has fed, rested, quickened its pace, or paused, sometimes only moments before. When all goes well, the process leads to a close and unforgettable encounter, with the animal unaware of your presence.
This programme is designed to immerse students in that experience, combining practical fieldcraft with behavioural interpretation. By learning to trail, participants gain not only the ability to locate and follow wild animals but also a deeper awareness of wildlife and the environments through which they move. The course consists of three days of intensive training, followed by a two-day evaluation under the CyberTracker system, recognised internationally as the global standard for tracking and trailing evaluation.
Course Content
During the training phase, students are introduced to the full range of techniques needed to trail animals successfully in the wild. Teaching follows the CyberTracker framework, covering spoor recognition, anticipation of spoor, interpretation of behaviour, anticipation of movement, and awareness of potential dangers. These are supported by the cultivation of alertness and stealth, with each area broken down into detailed subcategories that together form one of the most comprehensive trailing systems available. The training is delivered almost entirely in the field, with students learning in realistic scenarios and spending most of their time actively following trails.
The evaluation phase takes place over two days, students are assessed on their ability to apply skills in real-world conditions, demonstrating accuracy in reading and following tracks, interpreting animal behaviour, anticipating movement, and maintaining safe and respectful practice. The CyberTracker qualification is widely recognised as the global standard in trailing and provides an internationally respected measure of ability.
To maximise the chances of reaching meaningful conclusions this programme and the valuation is limited to 4 people. The focuses is often on ungulates such as deer, whose behaviour and habitats offer excellent opportunities to practise and refine trailing skills. By the end of the programme, participants will have experienced both guided learning and rigorous assessment, ensuring their abilities are tested and recognised to the highest level.
Details of the evaluation process can be found here
Course Dates 2026
- 12 – 16 January 2026
If this course is full please contact us to be placed on a waiting list for cancellations.
Should enough people express an interest we may run extra dates. We can also run these events at a location of your choosing.
Course Dates
Combined Trailing Workshop & Evaluation
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 that these events are self catered.
Trailing evaluations
We are not working from our usual site for our tracking and trailing evaluations and so do not normally offer camping. Please contact us if you would like to discuss options.
Trailing workshop and evaluation West Sussex 3 Place
Course: Combined trailing workshop/evaluation
Dates: 12 -16 January 2026
Times: 8.30 am -4.30 pm
Location: West Sussex
Evaluator: John Rhyder
Course Numbers: 4
cost per person: £650
