The Initiation

2nd - 8th August 2026

23rd - 29th August 2026

Open your eyes and step into the incredible possibilities of the natural world through the art of Bushcraft: your key to experiencing your time in the outdoors in a more fulfilling and practical way. The Fundamental Bushcraft course will change the way that you look at the world forever and equip you with a firm foundation of practical skills to use in the farthest corners of the world or on your own front doorstep.

Our syllabus has been honed over many years to introduce the widest range of skills, and your days will be filled with hard work, discovery and the satisfaction of achievement and learning. Each skill is carefully explained and expertly demonstrated before you practice the technique for yourself. As new skills are acquired, you will be encouraged to apply them as we build upon what you have learned, increasing both the pace and level of challenge. The end result is self- reliance, closeness to nature and improved self-confidence in the outdoors. If you are interested in attending a shorter 2-day course please take a look at the Introduction to Bushcarft courses.

By the end of the week, a tight knit group will have been formed and lasting friendships forged by the warmth of the campfire. The final day provides a buzz of excitement as you are all given the opportunity to demonstrate your new skills and understanding in a test that is the gateway to the Journeyman Course.

Challenging, thrilling and satisfying in equal measure, the Woodlore Fundamental Bushcraft course is conducted entirely outdoors in a friendly campfire atmosphere and will go ahead in all weather. No previous experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. You will be required to bring a tent with you to sleep in and will also have the opportunity to sleep under a loaned tarp and in a natural shelter.

The skills that will be taught during this course include:

• Firelighting, including by friction.
• Shelter Construction.
• Water Collection & Purification.
• Plants for food & medicine.
• Natural Cordage.
• Hunting & Trapping.
• Wilderness Fishing Techniques.
• Safe use of Cutting Tools.
• Looking after the land and leaving no trace.
• Backcountry Hygiene.
• Outdoor Safety.
• Natural Navigation.

This course starts at 17:30 on Sunday and will finish at 16:00 on Saturday.

Catering

All meals for this course will be provided. You will not live from the land during this course although one meal will be of wild food. For the rest of the time normal meals will be provided, allowing each student the opportunity to do some backcountry cooking, therefore if you have special dietary requirements, please let us know on your consent form or contact the office.

Course Site

The Fundamental Bushcraft course will take place at an expedition style camp in East Sussex, close to Tunbridge Wells. The camp is situated in beautiful private woodland with no public access with lots of wildlife including deer, owls, badgers, fox and butterflies. We do not have shower/toilet blocks at our sites; therefore all aspects of the course will have a fantastic wilderness feel, using a screened camp shower and a screened latrine in the woods. We have a car park at the course site where you your car will be kept during the course (if you bring one).

Other Details

Joining instructions will be sent to participants of the course 9 weeks before it is due to start, giving details of where to meet, at what time, and what to bring with you.

Once you have passed the Fundamental Bushcraft course you are able to attend the Journeyman Course with Ray Mears.

Pre Course Information

View Information Here

East Sussex

Full joining instructions, kit list and consent form will be sent to you 9 weeks before the commencement of this course. Kit lists and consent forms are available to download from the website.

Fundamental Bushcraft with Ray Mears is a fully immersive weeks course of bushcraft training. It is designed to build a complete foundation for wilderness living and the skills required to do so. Delivered by the Woodlore experts, this intensive course introduces the principles of bushcraft via experience in a woodland landscape, merging traditional knowledge with real-world application. A truly inspirational journey through the fundamentals of bushcraft provides a solid collection of practical skills which can be further developed. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey with Woodlore and is an extremely rewarding week, no matter your previous experience. This is hands-on bushcraft training, not theory. Every skill has been hand-picked based on its value and practicality for wilderness travel. Ray Mears will explain and demonstrate before applied to the environment. He will guide you throughout, so you are prepared and challenged. Essential skills you will be learning include fire lighting, shelter construction, water sourcing, natural navigation and the safe use of tools and equipment. These all-tie together to form a complete living system so you can be comfortable and competent in the wilderness.

By the end of the course, you will have built a strong foundation in bushcraft and have the confidence to apply these skills when on your own journeys. Beyond the technical ability, this bushcraft training course shifts your perspective. As you spend time alongside Ray Mears and the team at Woodlore, you’ll gain an insight like no other. Not forgetting the friends, you make along the way as you form a tight knit group. This week becomes the start of a lifelong path of understanding and lasting, grounded connections to the natural world. This course starts at 17:30 on Sunday and will finish at 16:00 on Saturday.