ACCREDITED BUSHCRAFT COURSES

Advanced Bushcraft Award
NCFE Level 3 (80 guided learning hours)

Also see Bushcraft Professional Development Courses

Duration: 5 days training followed by a further 3 days training/assessment
Cost: £685 per person
Min - Max No. 6 - 8
Course Members

The course has been designed as a stand alone accredited qualification for outdoor practitioners who already hold some teaching and leadership qualifications. As well as being designed for teachers, forest school leaders, D of E and youth workers, it is also intended for members of the public who wish to formalise their bushcraft education with an accredited award. Successful completion of the course would also enable you to apply for the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Foundational Bushcraft Competency Certificate and be entered on their web-site as having achieved the certificate, provided you are a member of the IOL. Recognition by the Institute for Outdoor Learning in this subject will enhance any bushcraft sessions you offer through your business or as a freelance outdoor provider.

The award covers the following :

FIRE

  • Six methods of making a flame: chemical, electrical, solar, friction, sparks and compression.
  • Types and properties of natural and man-made tinder’s.
  • Varying properties and qualities of wood as a fuel.
  • Types of fire lays: star, criss-cross, long log and “V” fire.

WATER

  • Types of water borne diseases.
  • How water is used by the body.
  • Symptoms and effects of dehydration.
  • Finding water.
  • Methods of filtering and purifying water.
  • Water strategies when travelling.

SHELTER

  • Hot and cold injuries.
  • Natural shelters for 1 or 2 people or groups, plus emergency shelters.
  • Modern shelter systems of tarps, hammocks, bivi-bags, tent etc.
  • Types of outdoor clothing and the layering system.
  • Useful knots and lashings used in bush craft.

PLANTS AND TREES

  • Tree identification ( in growing phase).
  • Plant and trees from various habitats and their uses in bush craft for medicine, food, fuel, cordage etc.
  • Harvesting and minimising the impact on plants and trees.
  • Poisonous plants/fungi easily confused with edible species.
  • Legal protection of plants and trees.

TRACKS AND SIGNS

  • Mammal tracks
  • Animal trails
  • Animal signs – feeding, droppings, nests etc

BUSHCRAFT  TOOLS

  • Knife and saw design
  • Safe use of tools
  • Maintenance of tools

CRAFTS

  • Use of appropriate tools
  • Use of appropriate materials
  • Sustainable harvesting of materials
  • Preparation of craft items - cordage, spoon, camp items.

Accreditation and certification is through the NCFE national awarding body. Please contact for more details.

Intermediate Bushcraft Award
NCFE Level 2

Duration: A total of 60 guided learning hours is required to complete the award
Cost: £50 - £60 per person per day depending on numbers
Min - Max No. 6 - 8

This course has been designed specifically for the 14 plus age group and although would be of benefit to any youngster, it is specifically aimed at those who are having difficulty with normal academic life. We envisage it to be of use to schools and centres preparing for the launch of the new 14-19 diplomas. This programme would laso be ideal for Scouts, Cadets and Duke of Edinburgh candidates.

The award covers the following:

  • Outdoor Living Skills - bushcraft skills including fire, water, shelter and equipment.
  • Natural History - plant identification and use in bushcraft, identification of tracks and sign.
  • Craft - tool use and selection,  craft items including cordage, carving and camp crafts.
  • Accreditation and certification is through the NCFE national awarding body.

Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Foundational Bushcraft Competency Certificate

Duration: 3 days training. 2 days assessment.
Cost: £75 - £100 per person per day depending on numbers and venue location
Min - Max No. 6 - 8

Successful completion of this course will allow you to be recognised by the IOL as competent in basic bushcraft skills and you will be entered on their web-site as having achieved the certificate. It is not a bushcraft instructors award. The training and assessment will concentrate on the following bushcraft skills:

  • General Safety & Hygiene
  • Bushcraft Tools (knife and saw).
  • Basic & Friction Fire Lighting.
  • Effective Shelter Construction
  • Water Purification
  • Leaving no Trace
  • Basic Tree ID
  • Sustainable use of Resources

Recognition by the Institute for Outdoor Learning in this subject will enhance any bushcraft sessions you offer through your business or as a freelance outdoor provider. Please contact for further details or go to the IOL website on the Links page of this website.