The IOL Bushcraft Competency Training is an Institute for Outdoor Learning accredited Continuing Professional Development course, designed for practitioners who use—or intend to use—bushcraft skills as part of their own outdoor teaching, leadership, or facilitation.
This three-day immersion provides structured, practical training that prepares participants to undertake the IOL Bushcraft Competency Certificate should they wish. While fully aligned with the IOL assessment syllabus, the training also extends beyond the minimum requirements, offering a deeper grounding in practical skills, decision-making, and safe instructional practice.
Delivered by IOL-approved instructors with extensive professional experience, the course prioritises safety, sustainability, and real-world application. Training takes place either at one of our established woodland sites or, by prior arrangement and subject to a suitability assessment, at the participant’s own venue.
This course runs in Derbyshire and Oxfordshire
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The IOL Bushcraft Competency Training is an Institute for Outdoor Learning accredited Continuing Professional Development course, designed for practitioners who use—or intend to use—bushcraft skills as part of their own outdoor teaching, leadership, or facilitation.
This three-day immersion provides structured, practical training that prepares participants to undertake the IOL Bushcraft Competency Certificate should they wish. While fully aligned with the IOL assessment syllabus, the training also extends beyond the minimum requirements, offering a deeper grounding in practical skills, decision-making, and safe instructional practice.
Delivered by IOL-approved instructors with extensive professional experience, the course prioritises safety, sustainability, and real-world application. Training takes place either at one of our established woodland sites or, by prior arrangement and subject to a suitability assessment, at the participant’s own venue.
IOL Bushcraft Competency Training
IOL Bushcraft Competency Training
IOL Bushcraft Competency Training
IOL Bushcraft Competency Training
IOL Bushcraft Competency Training
IOL Bushcraft Competency Training
Fire Lighting Bushcraft Weekend
Fire Lighting Bushcraft Weekend
Course Structure and Approach
This course is deliberately delivered in a journey-based format, reflecting how bushcraft skills are realistically applied in outdoor settings. Participants carry their kit into the woodland, to an established working camp, and build skills progressively across the three days. Camping in the woods is not compulsory but highly recommended to enhance the learning experience.
Instruction is practical, discussion-based, and supported by demonstrations, ensuring participants not only understand what to do, but why they are doing it—an essential component for those intending to teach others.
The exact sequencing of topics may vary slightly depending on conditions, but all elements of the IOL Bushcraft Competency syllabus are covered in full, alongside supplementary content to strengthen competence and confidence.
Day One – Foundations of Woodland Bushcraft
Following arrival, introductions, and a short walk into the woodland, participants establish their personal sleep systems, gaining experience in camp setup and layout. Timing may vary according to weather and daylight.
The day then focuses on building a solid foundation in core bushcraft principles, including:
- Understanding the woodland as a renewable resource, with emphasis on sustainability and responsible use
- Safe use of edged tools, including knives and basic carving techniques
- Basic tree identification, focusing on common native species
Fire theory and practice, including:
- Fire lays and firewood selection
- Demonstrations of ignition sources
- Tinder selection and preparation
- Construction of effective tinder bundles
Practical consolidation of skills through:
- Feather stick carving
- Fire lighting using modern ignition methods
- An introduction to friction fire lighting, setting the groundwork for later development
Throughout the day, instructors model best practice for safe teaching and supervision, supporting those intending to deliver bushcraft sessions themselves.
Day Two – Expanding Practical Capability
Day two builds on the foundations established on day one, expanding participants’ practical and mental toolkits through deeper engagement with fire, shelter, and water—three essential elements of bushcraft competency.
Key areas covered include:
- Reinforcement of safe cutting techniques
- Shelter theory and practice:
- Site selection
- Shelter designs and frame construction
- Thatching options and bedding systems
- Development of friction fire lighting skills, with increased hands-on practice
- Water safety and treatment:
- Sourcing and collecting water
- Filtering and purification methods
- Understanding risks associated with waterborne pathogens
Participants take part in a practical water purification session, collecting water and making it safe through filtering and boiling, using a pot hanger over a fire they have lit themselves with either ferrocerium rod or flint and steel.
Day Three – Consolidation, Assessment Preparation, and Professional Practice
The final day focuses on consolidating skills, refining technique, and ensuring participants are well prepared for the IOL competency assessment should they choose to undertake it.
Content includes:
- Advanced friction fire lighting:
- Troubleshooting common problems
- Selecting and gathering suitable materials
- Creating a complete friction fire set from the woodland
- Tool selection and maintenance, ensuring tools remain safe and effective
- An overview of UK knife law as it applies to outdoor practice and instruction
- Practical competency tasks, including:
- Feather stick production
- Lighting a fire using friction fire methods
- Effective use of tinder bundles
- The course concludes with:
- A clear outline of the IOL assessment process
- Opportunities for questions and discussion
- A full recap of learning
- Structured feedback
IOL Membership Discount
IOL members are eligible for a £25 course discount. Please contact us with your IOL membership number to claim this reduction.
In Summary
The IOL Bushcraft Competency Training provides a robust, practical foundation for those wishing to deliver bushcraft activities professionally or progress toward IOL accreditation. Participants leave with a clear understanding of the competency syllabus, improved practical ability, and the confidence to apply bushcraft skills safely, sustainably, and effectively in their own work.
