Complementing the introductory course, this day will look at skills to give teachers and environmental educators more confidence in leading groups in the outdoors. This course will focus on improving more of your own resources and knowledge in areas such as fire-by-friction, natural cordage, wild foods and campfire cooking. It is ideal for those who have done the introduction or have some experience of basic forest crafts and skills.

The Advanced Forest Skills course picks up where the Introduction to Forest Skills course left off. It assumes a basic proficiency with knife and folding saw, and stretches the student further in terms of new skills and knowledge of Britain’s natural resources. The subject areas covered will further enhance the participant’s personal confidence in being in the outdoors, as well as stimulating a deeper interest in bushcraft, and how it might be applied to different educational settings. The course continues to show how learning these skills can offer empowerment, inspiration and a deep experience of nature to a wide variety of client-groups.

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

• Firecraft including fire-by-friction
• Wild edible/medicinal plants
• Woodcraft
• Natural cordage
• Backcountry cooking techniques

Location: The course will be held in an exquisite woodland setting near Moretonhampstead on the edge of Dartmoor, 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.