Professional Outdoor Training Courses
Show your commitment to professional excellence by training with an Approved CPD Provider of The Institute for Outdoor Learning. Our courses are designed to meet the highest standards in outdoor education, giving you the confidence that your development is both recognised and respected across the industry.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your bushcraft skills, grow as a leader in outdoor learning, or gain credentials that matter, our accredited training opens doors. Join a growing network of passionate outdoor professionals who choose quality, credibility, and impact in their continuing professional development.
Professional Training
Bushcraft Competency Award
The IOL Bushcraft Competency Award is an entry-level certification designed for those starting their bushcraft journey. It recognises basic proficiency in essential bushcraft skills and safe working practices in an outdoor setting.
Bushcraft Competency Certificate
The IOL Bushcraft Competency Certificate is a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates a solid foundation in practical bushcraft skills and safe outdoor practice. Ideal for outdoor leaders and educators, it equips participants with the confidence and competence to deliver engaging bushcraft sessions.
Instructor Mentoring Scheme
The Woodland Survival Crafts Instructor Mentoring Scheme offers personalised guidance and hands-on support for aspiring bushcraft instructors. Through tailored mentoring, participants develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to lead high-quality, safe, and inspiring outdoor sessions.
Bushcraft Competency Award Training
This two-day IOL-approved Bushcraft Competency Course is designed specifically for outdoor professionals and centre staff who want to deliver engaging, high-quality bushcraft sessions. Covering essential skills such as fire lighting with multiple ignition methods, using edged tools safely, shelter building with natural materials, tarp and knot setups, water purification, and a variety of campfire cooking techniques, the course is both practical and comprehensive. Training is delivered in small groups at a maximum 1:6 ratio, ensuring personalised guidance and hands-on learning.
With years of experience training teams across the UK and internationally, we’re trusted by outdoor centres and organisations seeking to upskill their staff. If you’re looking to train several team members at once, we can tailor a course to meet your needs—get in touch to create a bespoke training experience rooted in professional bushcraft standards.
Bushcraft Competency Certificate Training
Elevate your outdoor practice with our three-day Bushcraft Competency Certificate Training Course, tailored for outdoor professionals and centre staff ready to move beyond the basics. Whether you’re a Forest School Leader, Environmental Education Officer, or Outdoor Instructor, this IOL-approved training will deepen your skills and confidence in delivering exceptional bushcraft sessions. Over three immersive days, you’ll enhance your knowledge in key areas such as shelter building, knife use, friction fire lighting, tree ID, natural cordage, water purification, and navigation.
This course forms a vital part of the journey towards the Bushcraft Competency Certificate, recognised across the sector as a benchmark of safe and competent practice. Combine it with 100+ hours of practical bushcraft experience to work towards this respected award. We’ve proudly trained teams across the UK and beyond—if your organisation is looking to develop a group of staff, get in touch to arrange a bespoke course tailored to your needs.
Instructor Mentoring Scheme
For those truly serious about mastering bushcraft, the Instructor Mentoring Scheme is our most advanced and comprehensive training programme. This premium 12-month course is designed to help outdoor professionals deepen their skills, expand their knowledge, and gain real ownership of core bushcraft techniques. Through four immersive 2-day training blocks, you’ll explore advanced shelter designs, confident fire lighting in challenging conditions, efficient water filtration, natural cordage making, axe work, and more. Each session is carefully crafted to help you adapt your skills to real-world scenarios with greater precision and confidence.
From bow drill mastery and tree identification to wild food preparation and natural navigation, this course pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in personal and professional bushcraft development. With hands-on learning at its heart, the Instructor Mentoring Scheme is the ultimate investment for those who want to stand out as exceptional practitioners. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, grow your bushcraft capabilities, and lead with confidence in the outdoors, this is the course for you.
Post Mentor Scheme
Following on from the Instructor Mentor Scheme, training becomes very much more personalised and so we have created a 4 tier system from which you can decide based on your requirements as well as your time and money budgets.
Bronze – This level is for those aiming for one of the Bushcraft awards but who feel that they require a little more of a confidence boost. This level includes one to one time with one of our mentors plus some time online.
Silver – This level is aimed at those who want to be guided and advised on their delivery methods and styles in order to stand out more clearly in their profession. Assisting on courses and helping at shows are among the opportunities that will be available. There will also be personalised support from Dave or one of the mentors plus some time online.
Gold – This level is ideal for those who plan, or have started, a business venture using Bushcraft but who would value extra support, contacts, sounding board etc. For up to 2 years, you will be offered a wide range of opportunities and support as well as online meetings and one to one tuition.
Platinum – This is for those who have a big plan and would value Dave`s focused support to get things off the ground and established. Taken over 2-3 years this is designed to give you what you need, when you need it to the best of our ability.
Please contact us to book or arrange a FREE 15 minute consultation about the scheme.
“After completing the Woodland Survival Crafts 3 day Bushcraft competency training course, I left feeling deeply inspired. Pete and Dave, the trainers, are remarkably skilled professionals. Their teaching methods are not only wonderful but also highly attuned to each learner’s individual needs. I highly recommend this course and look forward to enrolling in future courses with Dave and his team.”