This skills-based course is a resourceful and inspiring introduction to practical competence in the outdoors. It is designed for outdoor educators who aspire to spend meaningful time in the woods with children or adults and will focus on group activities including firecraft, shelter building and the safe use of cutting tools.

The Forest Skills course opens the doorway to the world of bushcraft, and is designed to resource the participants with practical know-how in the outdoors. Basic skills will be taught in the context of providing a safe but stimulating outdoor classroom. Becoming proficient with these skills takes time, energy and practice but we believe that acquiring these skills to a competent level is important in building personal confidence as a leader in the outdoors. The sequence of skills demonstrated and the learning process employed not only will empower you as learners, but will also give you activity programmes and ideas to try out with your own client-groups. Although the course will appeal to anyone interested in the subject of bushcraft, it is particularly suited to those who use a woodland habitat to give children and youth groups a meaningful experience of nature eg. forest school leaders, rangers, playworkers etc

The final course content is subject to the interests of the group but will include most of the following:

• Fire-making and management
• Improvised shelters
• Introduction to Woodcraft 
• Use and maintenance of cutting tools
• Simple campfire cookery

Location: The course will be held at a beautiful location in Devon.

Times: 9.30am - 4.30pm

Course Leader - Chris Salisbury
Educator, trainer and storyteller, Chris founded WildWise after many years working as an education officer for Devon Wildlife Trust. With a background in the theatre, a training in therapy and a career in environmental education he uses every creative means at his disposal to encourage people to enjoy and value the natural world. He has worked with Ray Mears and John Rhyder, amongst many others.