24 Bushcraft courses

Located between Canterbury and Ashford, join us on the beautiful Kent Downs for this introductory 1 day coiled basket course. Coiled baskets are baskets made from bunches of plant fibres such as straw or hay, Those fibres are wound in a continuous spiral around themselves. The coils are kept in place using thread, the work being done stitch by stitch and coil by coil. Coiled basketry was practiced by our hunter-gatherer ancestors all around the world. They were commonplace in the British Isles, although more so in Scotland; in England they were often referred to as lip work baskets. We’ve put together this coiled basketry course for anyone who likes to use their hands and would like to learn this fabulous ancestral skill. You will be introduced to the materials and tools required and then be guided through the process to make your own round, coiled basket. Throughout the day you will: Learn how to create all the elements of a coiled basket, so the base, the sides, stitching and how to finish it all off with a border. We will discuss care of your basket, making different basket shapes, and alternative materials that can be used as well as hay. At the end of the day you will come away with the satisfaction of having created a wonderful basket that’s unique and has a wide range of practical uses. About us and the venue: Jack Raven Bushcraft was founded in 2011 and we've been delivering bushcraft, craft and foraging courses since then from our 30 acre private ancient woodland on the Kent Downs in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Courses in the summer are held outdoors in our woodland camp complete with covered work areas, an outdoor kitchen and a composting loo. Courses in the winter are held in our workshop in a converted barn. What's included in the price? We'll supply all tools and materials for the course. We'll make sure the kettle is on the go and supply tea, coffee and biscuits. Cancellation policy Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Bark Basketry, Ancient Crafts, Bushcraft

Spoon Carving, Green Woodworking, Basketry, Ancient Crafts

Fish and small game made up an important part of our hunter gatherer ancestors diet, meaning that hand knitted net making was a crucial skill to master. A net is an openwork fabric in which threads are fused, looped or knotted at their intersections at regular intervals and have long been used for fishing and trapping animals, as hammocks, or simply as a means of carrying things around. So we’ve put together this net making course to show you how to make your own net from entirely natural materials so that you can go away and make your own net for a variety of situations. You’ll start the day by looking at natural cordage as you’ll need cordage to make your net! We’ll discuss various plants and trees that can be used to make cordages, such as nettles, brambles, lime bast and the inner bark of sweet chestnut. With the materials prepared, we’ll show you how to make a simple 2 ply cord and then, How to plait, braid or ply them. From there you’ll move on to net making itself and will cover: The various netting tools available and different materials they can be made from, How to begin a net, How to change the size and shape of your net, How to finish off your net, How to join nets together to make a bigger one. By the end of this net making course you will have the skills and knowledge to make your own nets from scratch, either for fishing or trapping small game, or even to make your very own net bag! Jack Raven Bushcraft was founded in 2011 and we've been delivering bushcraft, craft and foraging courses since then from our 30 acre private ancient woodland on the Kent Downs in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Courses in the summer are held outdoors in our woodland camp complete with covered work areas, an outdoor kitchen and a composting loo. Courses in the winter are held in our workshop in a converted barn. What's included in the price? We'll supply all tools and materials for the course. We'll make sure the kettle is on the go and supply tea, coffee and biscuits. Cancellation policy Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

A two day knife making course is a great way to make yourself an item that will last a lifetime, on this two day course we forge a larger knife with a wooden handle, most students choose to do a kitchen knife but more elaborate bushcraft knives and athames have also been made. A knife is one of the oldest tools ever made by humanity and it is one that invokes many emotions to people when they see and use it for a productive task. When doing a knife making course here at Bearded Pig Forge we will discuss the fine details of a knife and how they are made as well as the history of forging them.  On the course you will learn the basics of forging a blade and how to effectively heat treat them in order to get the most use out of the blades as well as techniques for sharpening and honing blades. Courses are £300 Per person per two days. All courses must be paid for a minimum of 14 days in advance to secure the date.  I run a strict cancellation policy. If you cannot attend the date you have booked please contact me within three weeks and I will rebook your course for free, If you contact me after this deadline you will lose your place. Refunds are not available. No under 18s  If you have a physical gift voucher it must be presented on the first day of a course. *Gift vouchers are valid for one year from date of purchase

A survival adventure for all the family......imagine you are stranded in the wild...what survival skills would you require? Get the kids out in the woods experiencing nature up close.... Learning valuable survival and bushcraft skills Find out what the natural environment provides to help keep us safeBuild a waterproof shelter from natural materials Build and light a roaring fire to keep warmFind natural tinders and learn how to use a fire-steel Cook your delicious Survival food on the camp fireLead by an experienced instructor who will encourage and inspire your budding young bushcrafters Great Outdoor Activities your children will really enjoy What's included in the price? Free parkingIn person instructionAll equipmentFun and laughter Cancellation policy Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Firelighting. Bushcraft. Survival

A fantastic opportunity to spend time in tranquil woodland in the heart of South East Kent making your own unique Hiking Staff, Walking Stick or Foraging Crook that you will value and use for a life time. You can choose to personalise your Staff with markings or carvings and could EVEN make your own Foraging Crook to use in the field on our Forage and Fire Course.  Sitting around a warm camp fire you will design and create your own personalised Staff/Stick with the guidance of an experienced instructor. During this one day practical event you WILL be... Given the tools and advice of how to make the most of your PERSONALISED design. Choose from various seasoned wood, Hazel, Ash or Maple. Decide on the length, the width and design for your UNIQUE Staff. Design and carve your own unique hiking staff Shown how to STRIP and SHAPE the seasoned wood correctly. Be given clear bushcraft instruction on SAFE knife and tool use. Provided with all the EQUIPMENT and materials needed, seasoned wood, tools, vanish and wax.  Carvings of your choice on your newly made Staff you may choose to add your own personal CARVING.  Given a choice of finishes for your Hiking Staff or Foraging Crook with either varnish or bees wax.  Choosing whether to add a rubber base to the bottom of your Staff. What's included in the price? Wood All tools and equipment Hot drinks Free parking Cancellation policy Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Gain the skills and confidence you need to lead your goups on the beach!

Bushcraft, Birch Tree, Ancient Crafts, Foraging, Wild Medicine, Wild Food, Woodcraft