frequently asked questions

Members since 2007

How will I get to the course?
All our courses are held at the Woodland Skills Centre in West Sussex. As part of our environmental we encourage use of public transport. Our local train station is Billingshurst West Sussex. There are many local taxi companies who will happily bring you to the woods. We have limited parking on site. Although a safe place to leave cars we advise that no valuables are left in vehicles. Vehicles are left at owners risk and Woodland Skills Ltd does not accept responsibility for any damage or loss. We encourage you to make use of the trains and help minimize your carbon footprint.

How do I book my course?
All booking instructions are available on our booking page. Please make sure you also send up your completed Medical Questionnaire when you place your booking and have read our CourseTerms and Conditions.

Should I get some specialist Kit?
For information on what to bring please see the Kit List. We do not advise that you go and spend vast sums of money on things you will not need. A good quality sleeping bag, three seasons or higher, and a sensible range of warm clothes, remember layers work best. If you have questions please feel free to drop us a line info@woodlandskills.com.

How fit do I have to be to attend a course?
Our courses are not designed as endurance tests. However on many of the courses a basic level of fitness is required. You will be active in the wood after all.

How old do I have to be?
We have a minimum age of sixteen for most courses unless otherwise stated on the course description. The Adult and Young Persons course accepts participants from the age of 12 accompanied by an adult. If aged between 16-18 we ask that both you and your parent or guardian sign the confidential medical questionnaire for minors.

What will I eat?
It will state in the course description the level of catering that applies to your chosen course. This may range from fully catered to snacks. Although we do cater for specialist dietary requirements if you suffer from severe allergies such as nut we ask that you provide for yourself and a small reduction in the cost of the course will be applied as a gesture of good will.. We find that well-fed folks learn best so quality tucker is high on our list of priorities!. All our staff hold food handling and hygiene certificates and are creative in the camp kitchen.

Can I bring a beer for those starlit evenings around a crackiling fire?
Sorry but alchole can not consumed during a course. No one really wants to be incharge of an axe with a hangover!

Will I be hunting and trapping?
On our standard woodland skills courses you will not do any trapping or hunting. You may be foraging for edible plants, which can be included in your main meal. We just love to see your faces when that large bundle of weeds becomes the delicious soup or salad at lunchtime!

Do I have to have any prior experience?
Definitely not all of our courses are designed to impart this knowledge to you. We have found that offering individual courses focusing on specialist areas enables participants to extend their knowledge and skills in the specialism they are most interested in.

Can a group of us come together?
Yes although our courses are designed for individuals who have a passion to learn through personal experience we are more than happy for a group to book together. Please note that our courses fill quickly so if you intend to come as a group please make sure that there are sufficient spaces to accommodate your all. Please contact us: bookings@woodlandskills.com

What happens if it’s raining?
Courses will run in all weathers. We believe in working with nature and in England that means the weather as well. It may be a little harder to master the skills in inclement conditions but this only results in a higher sense of achievement and accomplishment.

Are there any lavatories?
All of our Woodland Living Skills courses take place in an expedition style camp that by its very nature does not have flushing toilets. We do have screened camp lavatories and a simple gravity solar shower. You never know you may just learn to enjoy a shower under the open sky! It is an important part of woodland living to learn the basic skills needed to maintain a healthy and safe camp. To this end on our more extensive courses you will learn how to construct and maintain a wilderness lavatory as well as protocols to ensure a safe and hygienic camp environment. Some say if only common sense was common!

The Woodland Barn area boasts eco loos and solar showers for participants’ who are attending any of our courses as well as a small shower block and disabled lavatory.

Can I bring my knife?
NO! All tools needed will be provided for you. Please do not bring any cutting implements’ or axes with you.

Will I be safe?
All our staff are emergency first aid trained and we are only about 25 minutes from Guildford Casualty department. At Woodland Skills we pride ourselves in an outstanding safety record. We provide the environment and expert instruction to ensure you learn the skills needed for woodland survival with out putting your self at unnecessary risk. However you must be aware that you will be using cutting tools, making fire and walking on uneven ground, these activities are not entirely risk free.