Overview
This course introduces participants to the essential skills of human tracking, focusing on universal principles rather than specific applications like search and rescue, anti-poaching, or law enforcement, which follow distinct protocols. It is ideal for anyone interested in recognising and following human sign. By learning to detect subtle signs of human movement, participants enhance their situational awareness and deepen their understanding of how people—and by extension, animals—move through various landscapes.
Tracking humans sharpens observational skills, as humans are another form of animal to follow. This awareness improves a tracker’s ability to read all types of terrain and species. Some may join the course to broaden their general tracking abilities, while others might use it as preparation for tracking elusive wildlife like bears. Regardless of motivation, the course provides a practical foundation in human tracking.
Course Content
The Human Tracking Course combines observation, field practice, and knowledge of landscape and behaviour to teach participants how to identify, interpret, and follow human trails. It begins with the basics: understanding what tracking entails, ethical considerations, and developing the mindset of a tracker.
Participants learn to find and interpret trails, identify different types of sign, and distinguish human tracks from animal ones. A key focus is track interpretation, including track ageing, estimating pace and direction, and recognising individual versus group movement. Techniques for following and recovering a trail are taught step by step.
The course also develops anticipation and environmental awareness by teaching participants to use landscape features and human behaviour patterns to predict trail direction. These skills not only improve human tracking but also enhance the ability to follow animal trails and read natural signs.
Practical applications of human tracking are explored, such as its role in outdoor education, ecological awareness, and wildlife tracking. The course concludes with immersive field scenarios where participants apply their skills individually and in teams, reinforcing everything learned through real-world practice.
Course Dates 2026
- 10-13 April 2026
Course Dates
Human Tracking Workshop
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 although it is non residential you are welcome to camp at our site if you prefer. It is also possible to arrive the evening before but please call us to discuss this option. There will be some travel to other venues although we will endeavour to car share as much as possible.
NB: Camping is not integral to this programme, it is something we offer for the convenience of our students it is not part of the course fee. With this in mind please be aware that should you choose to stay on site you will be expected to help with the small tasks that facilitate the smooth running of the camp.
You need to be over 18 years of age to attend this programme.
Human tracking 10-13 April 2026 places
Course: Human tracking
Location: West Sussex
Date : 10-13 April 2026
Start/finish: 8.30-4.30
Course Lead: John Rhyder/ Stani Groeneweg
Course size: 10 people
cost per person: £480
