View Full Version : Tracking course for bcuk members: 3rd - 8th October 2010
Bushcraft UK Tracking course - 3rd - 8th October 2010
The Bushcraft UK, 6 day tracking course is a "no frills" low cost opportunity for members of the Bushcraft UK community to experience top of the range instruction in fantastic rural Dorset.
http://www.bushcraftexpeditions.com/pics/UK%20images%20%282%29.jpg
During the course students will be expected to participate in routine tasks around the camp such as firewood collection, cooking and general camp duties.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course provider: Bushcraft Expeditions.
Closing date for places: August 30th 2010
Minimum numbers: 12
Maximum numbers: 16
Minimum age: 18 (17 if accompanied by an adult)
Date of Course - 3rd - 8th October 2010
RV time TBA on the 3rd - Hooke, Dorset
Accommodation: Attendees provide tents, sleeping bags etc.
Catering: Self catering
Cost: £250 (usually £400+)
TRACKING AND STALKING
The Tracking, Stalking and Observation course will open your eyes to the latent information of the natural world around you. There are few skills as rewarding as that of tracking and observing wildlife at close quarters. With practice and perseverance these rewards can be yours.
http://www.bushcraftexpeditions.com/pics/UK%20images%20%285%29.jpg
During this six day course you will be taught all the necessary skills to locate, track, approach and observe the wildlife around you. We will teach you how to use your senses to their best ability and about the complex interaction between the animals of the field and forest.
During the course you will cover the following subjects:
Man and animal tracking
The qualities of a tracker
Why things are seen
Camouflage and movement
Sign (spoor) identification and interpretation
The ageing of sign
Tracking terminology
Appreciating and using the elements to our advantage
The use of the senses in man and animals
The use of light in tracking
Hand signals used in tracking
Information gathering and recording
Assessing numbers
Primary senses of the quarry
The track pursuit procedure
Track and tracking discipline
Track isolation
The lost track and relocating procedure
The use of dogs in tracking (interest period)
Stalking
Hides, observation methods and equipment
Email info@bushcraftuk.com ('Tracking Course' in the subject) to register your interest and receive payment details.
I really fancy this one Tone, would it be okay to stick around for the Wild Foods course too if I came, I take it they're both on the same site ?
Green Arrow
05-06-2010, 11:44
looks good, good value too, hopefully I have booked a place!
man_of_tanith
05-06-2010, 13:12
i could be tempted by this one! as could a couple of others i know
i'll have to check finances and time off work tho
man_of_tanith
05-06-2010, 13:13
double post oops sorry
man_of_tanith
05-06-2010, 22:35
dang its lisa's little 'uns birthday on the third so i wont be able to go. boo hiss
dang its lisa's little 'uns birthday on the third so i wont be able to go. boo hiss
Bring her along mate, I'll drop her a PM now and get it sorted :)
man_of_tanith
05-06-2010, 23:09
i've been told its upto me if i wanna miss the birthday think i must weigh up the pro's and cons seriously in me head.
tho it is very very tempting
I've been away for a week (still away for another week) i'll get on top of this when i get back into the thick of things. It's going to be a good course although I understand the dilemma.
forestwalker
07-06-2010, 12:52
Damn. I've been looking for a good tracking course, but ATM I have no way to plan that far ahead.
dang its lisa's little 'uns birthday on the third so i wont be able to go. boo hiss
Its my little girls birthday on the 5th too, otherwise i'd defininately be up for this.
Hmmm screaming kids all day...week in the woods tough one that :confused: :)
man_of_tanith
08-06-2010, 10:30
Its my little girls birthday on the 5th too, otherwise i'd defininately be up for this.
Hmmm screaming kids all day...week in the woods tough one that :confused: :)
yeah aint it just :)
Green Arrow
14-06-2010, 20:18
Any one else booked up on this yet? I hope we get enough to make it happen
Any one else booked up on this yet? I hope we get enough to make it happen
Hope it happens even if I cant come, as woody and his staff are great instructors ,and it sounds like a good deal.
bowsmith
28-06-2010, 19:52
Hi,
is this still happening? are there places?
I have made an enquirey but got no response?
Ok, Im not a full member yet but I will be in 2 days when I get paid!
Dark Horse Dave
28-06-2010, 19:58
Mrs DHD also wants to go & has put in an enquiry, but I don't think we've heard anything yet. She's just doing some prep with Max Shadowhawk geezer's book by her bedside right now!
If it happens & she gets a place, it sounds like I'll be ferrying her down, setting up her camp and picking her up at the end.....
:rolleyes:
I really fancy this one Tone, would it be okay to stick around for the Wild Foods course too if I came, I take it they're both on the same site ?
Yes, they'll be running one into the other so that would work great :D
I'll be getting info out on this today for people that have contacted us, it's probably a good idea to get a list going on here so we can see who's interested, I'll put up the names that we have so far, feel free to correct it if I'm wrong or the status changes.
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
man of tanith
Shewie
Justin Time
So 6 so far.
Anyone else that wants to go add yourself to the list and email info@bushcraftuk.com
Dark Horse Dave
29-06-2010, 14:14
I'll be getting info out on this today for people that have contacted us, it's probably a good idea to get a list going on here so we can see who's interested, I'll put up the names that we have so far, feel free to correct it if I'm wrong or the status changes.
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
man of tanith
Shewie
Justin Time
So 6 so far.
Anyone else that wants to go add yourself to the list and email info@bushcraftuk.com
Thanks Tony. Just been conferring with Mrs DHD. If I've got to take her down & pick her up anyway, I may just as well do the course myself! Email to follow.
Dark Horse Dave
29-06-2010, 14:15
So that's:
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
man of tanith
Shewie
Justin Time
man_of_tanith
29-06-2010, 16:40
Sorry folks but i wont be coming on this one no matter how much i would love to dont want to miss shan of tanith's eighth birthday!
specially as i hope to buy lots of new kit for her to use camping :)
so only six i am afraid
gutted i is
amended list
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
Shewie
Justin Time
Thanks for letting us know, family first is a good call goodjob
Green Arrow
01-07-2010, 22:27
Still up for it!
squidgycub
04-07-2010, 22:42
Do you need to be a full member to do this course?
JonathanD
04-07-2010, 22:48
I'm trying hard to free up time around these dates so I can get on board. Slap bang in the weeks adders give birth though so I've got some work to do. Unless there are adders on site there of course :D
Do you need to be a full member to do this course?
Nope :D ..
I'm trying hard to free up time around these dates so I can get on board. Slap bang in the weeks adders give birth though so I've got some work to do. Unless there are adders on site there of course :D
Oh, I'm sure there are :D
Ok I have had a provsional nod from the wife that this would be ok to attend! When do you need a definate by?
Green Arrow
05-07-2010, 18:02
Oh, I'm sure there are :D
mmm maybe the hamock then!!!
:yikes::D
Gailainne
07-07-2010, 19:50
I really fancy this one Tone, would it be okay to stick around for the Wild Foods course too if I came, I take it they're both on the same site ?
Now that sounds like a plan, looks like I can get a flight down to Southampton from Edinburgh.
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
man of tanith
Shewie
Justin Time
Gailainne (Stephen)
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
man of tanith
Shewie
Justin Time
Gailainne (Stephen)
Peter Britton
Just got the green light
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
man of tanith
Shewie
Justin Time
Gailainne (Stephen)
Peter Britton
Atross
Green Arrow
08-07-2010, 19:06
[QUOTE=Gailainne;714657]Now that sounds like a plan, looks like I can get a flight down to Southampton from Edinburgh.
could probably pick you up from the airport if you like mate, I'm not a million miles away
Gailainne
08-07-2010, 20:20
Nick
Thats very good of you to offer, its appreciated. I'll get back to you if thats ok.
Stephen
Green Arrow
08-07-2010, 20:22
no worries
We need 3 more people for our minimum number to make this feasible, if you know anyone that might be interested get them involved, it would be a shame for this one not to go ahead.
man_of_tanith
13-07-2010, 17:12
er i seem to have been snuck back onto the list of folk attending?
someone had a word with lady of tanith cause i am pretty certain i said i coldnt come as it is shan of tanith's birthday in these dates
sorry guys wish i could come (if only to put names to faces) but family first
I would love to come but unfortunately i am only 16 :(
Is there any chance this could be done for a young one like me?
Thanks
Ben
Hi Ben, sorry, we've got an age limit of 18, or 17 when accompanied by a parent.
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
Shewie
Justin Time
Gailainne (Stephen)
Peter Britton
Atross
wughub
We've got 10 on the list so far,we need 12 :D
Is this still a goer Tony ?
Gailainne
24-07-2010, 17:29
Sorry guys, with the days I have left it was this or the Moot, and I've decided to go to the Moot. Please take me off the list.
Thanks for letting us know Stephen
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
Shewie
Justin Time
Peter Britton
Atross
wughub
As with the Wild Foods course we're going to be leaving places open until the end of August and then taking payments. The more people the better as we can then make a definite go of this one. Some people are thinking of linking the two courses together for convenience which is a great idea as they run one after the other on the same site.
Justin Time
08-08-2010, 17:59
I'm afraid I must pull out from this, the NHS cuts are starting to bite and I think money's going to be tight(er) for the forseeable future. Sorry folks.
Bump
I need this one to happen too, Dorset is a long way just for a weekend course
Hi, been asked by Tony to express an interest so my name can be added to the list. Sounds a great course and I understand Woody and crew really know their stuff, which helps!
cheers
Rich B
Here's the updated list:
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
Shewie
Peter Britton
Atross
wughub
Rich B
If anyone has questions about it ask away, it will be a great course and if you've got the time it's running back to back with the Wild Foods course so you can keep all your kit in place and enjoy two courses.
Have you got enough bodies for this yet Tony ?
We've only got 9 listed, although I've had a few emails form people interested, if everyone that is listed and has shown an interest goes it can run, in reality we'll not actually know where we stand for another week. Because of the price there's little leeway on minimum numbers. We'll know soon :-)
That sounds fairly promising Tone, hopefully this will get the green light and I can merge the two courses together.
I've saved a few days holiday just in case :)
Dark Horse Dave
24-08-2010, 10:25
Mrs DHD and I are still up for this, and i've been trying to spread the word! Hope it goes ahead.
Cheers
Guys
I am sorry to do this but I have to withdraw (at my boss's request), I am still in for the wild food course but now have work commitments that I have to meet!
Ash
Thanks for letting us know Ash, sorry you can't make it.
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
Shewie
Peter Britton
wughub
Rich B
high am quite new to the forum - are there any dates after the october onefor a tracking course or is it once a year (scanned through but couldnt see any) would def be interested in something later this year perhaps.
rainbowhands
30-08-2010, 22:52
hey, hope this message gets thru ok. i'm on my phone with very little reception and half hour page loading time!!
i'm very interested in this course and the wild food course, and have a friend also showing an interest. Could you tell me, because i can't find it in any of the blurb, is this tom brown lineage? the language used sounds as if it could be.
many thanks. Louise
Hi, I've just received an email asking if I'm interested in attending the Tracking course and asking me to register an interest. Sorry I thought I had, but I'm still up for it if there's a place for me. In the hopes of it going ahead I have already booked the time off work (and been working on the misses). Hope you get enough people together. Finding it staggering that more are not jumping at the chance! What about spreading the word a bit further afield? I understand there are affiliated websites; eg Bushcraft Expeditions and Bushcraft USA (someone might be over here working/touring etc). Anyway I hope the course can go ahead and I'm looking forward to the next Moot (missed out on this year's one). Congrats on the site by the way, I'm still working my way through all that's on here after nearly two months!
RB
Default
I'm sorting through the emails etc that we've received for this and the Wild Foods course and I'll post up comments tomorrow.
Both this course and the Wild Foods will be running in October as scheduled. :D
Thanks to everyone that's contacted us :You_Rock_
Hi Louise, no it's not of the Tom Brown ilk.
Rarky, I've added you to the list :D
Dark Horse Dave
Mrs Dark Horse Dave (Sarah)
Bowsmith (Martyn)
Green arrow (Nick)
Shewie
Peter Britton
wughub
Rich B
Rarky
Rainbowhands (Louise)
sanslr109
01-09-2010, 21:49
hi, i have been away and only just read e-mails, is it to late to be considered for tracking course?
Tone, sorry if I've caused any confusion but it looks like you have me down twice on the list (Rarky and Rich B). Probably because I have signed posts as each, sorry. Hope this doesn't leave the course short. If it does what about sending out a blanket email to ever member? There always going to be those that have been busy, working away etc, what ever, and just basically have not had time to visit the site for a while.
Rarky/Rich B (Dickie, Ricardo, what ever)
Ahh :D I'll correct that, thanks for pointing it out mate goodjob
We sent out an email early in the week and had a good response to it:bigok:
hi, i have been away and only just read e-mails, is it to late to be considered for tracking course?
No problem, I'll add you to the list and you'll get an email with payment info soon. can i have your name please.
Green Arrow
02-09-2010, 13:12
I am really gutted , alll leave canceled at work so I will not be able to come. I really hope the course can still go ahead with others and would like to do it if it comes up again. I am really sorry to do this to the others going but unfortunatly I have no choice
sanslr109
02-09-2010, 14:45
simon kelt
jmatthews
05-09-2010, 22:59
Hey,
This is me registering my interest :D Please could you send me the details if it's not too late
Cheers,
James Matthews
harryhaller
05-09-2010, 23:22
Are there any travel details for people who only travel by train or bus - from London?
Guys,
Apologies for any delay getting information out to you, I am out in Borneo and have just emerged from the jungle today read the threads and I know Tony is very busy and may not have had time to contact every one.
If you contact Becky on 01432 356700 or email inforequest@bushcraftexpeditio ns.com she will be able to give you full details. You will need to provide your full name, address and contact details and BCUK user name.
Full payment can now be made directly to Becky in the Bushcraft Expeditions Office.
If paying by paypal the email address is as above.
If paying by card please phone the number above and Becky will take your details.
If paying directly into the bank please phone the number above for the account details.
All payments are by secure means.
The RV timing for both the Tracking course and Wild foods Course is 1800hr
All other details can be found on the first page of this thread or via our secure UK additional information page. Please contact Becky for the password for this (The password will only be given out to course members on receipt of course fees/payment)
Details of travel options for public transport etc can be found on the additional information page or by speaking to Becky in the BE office.
Clothing and equipment requirements are as per the kit list which can be found here (http://www.bushcraftexpeditions.com/uk-kit-list.php)
Please remember the courses are self-catering so you will need your field cooking facilities and food
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact Becky in the Bushcraft Expeditions office.
Regards
Woody
Dark Horse Dave
06-09-2010, 09:21
Tony
Bad news for the Dark Horses I'm afraid. Our child care arrangements have fallen through. However Mrs DHD has graciously said that I should still go while she stays home & looks after the kids.
Very sorry about this, and really hope it doesn't muck anybody about. On the assumption that all is OK I'll settle up shortly direct with Bushcraft Expeditions.
Cheers
Dark Horse Dave
06-09-2010, 09:27
Tony
Bad news for the Dark Horses I'm afraid. Our child care arrangements have fallen through. However Mrs DHD has graciously said that I should still go while she stays home & looks after the kids.
Very sorry about this, and really hope it doesn't muck anybody about. On the assumption that all is OK I'll settle up shortly direct with Bushcraft Expeditions.
Cheers
OK, I'm all paid up and all is OK, so I'm now raring to go!
Many thanks for arranging this Tony
Regards,
Dave
Sorry to hear about that mate, I bet she's gutted, I seem to recall she was after a place first :D Let her know there will be a next time.
Good stuff, all the emails went out last week so we're waiting for the rest to secure places.
jmatthews
14-09-2010, 15:25
Is anyone driving from or past the Cheltenham/Gloucester area and up for sharing a lift? Am happy to give petrol money. I'm doing the Wild foods course as well as the Tracking so would be looking to head back on the 10th
Cheers, James
We've still got some places left on the tracking course, if anyone is interested then jump in :D
Is anyone driving from or past the Cheltenham/Gloucester area and up for sharing a lift? Am happy to give petrol money. I'm doing the Wild foods course as well as the Tracking so would be looking to head back on the 10th
Cheers, James
I'll be passing through your way about 13:30 if you can get to Michealwood services on the M5 ?
EDIT:
Just noticed the RV time is different on Woody's post above
Make that around 15:30 James
This is one of those polite prompts for the people that committed to go and hence made it possible to run the course, to contact Becky with your payments.
Those that contacted me and let me know that personal circumstances have changed have been accounted for in the list.
wughub ..... Not paid
starhopper2001 ..... Paid
Dark Horse Dave ..... Paid
bowsmith ..... Not Paid
Green Arrow ..... Not Paid
Shewie ..... Paid
Rarky B ..... Paid
vlucas ..... Not Paid
peter_b ..... Not paid
sanslr109 ..... Not Paid
tel boy ..... Not Paid
rainbowhands ..... Paid
jmatthews ..... Paid
Thanks All goodjob
jmatthews
28-09-2010, 14:41
I'll be passing through your way about 13:30 if you can get to Michealwood services on the M5 ?
EDIT:
Just noticed the RV time is different on Woody's post above
Make that around 15:30 James
Nice one Rich, that'll be great cheers :)
Much appreciated,
James
Any more for tracking? :D We've got a few spaces left :camping:
Don't forget your waterproofs guys, and some extra long pegs :)
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/bridport_forecast_weather.html
Just booked, looking forward to it. I just wondered if anyone was travelling by car from London for this course and could give me a lift. I can pay money towards petrol?
If not I will drive down by motorbike but makes the packing a bit more challenging :eek:
Another big thank you to Woody, Stani and Ross for a great week in the woods. Learnt far more than I thought I would and I've now got new skills to take forward and practice.
Great location, very knowledgeable and friendly staff with a good mix of students.
Now to work on the wife for the Canada exped :)
General direction, eliminate the openings .....
jmatthews
13-10-2010, 11:51
Thanks everyone for making it a great course. Looking forward to practising the skills, and cheers again rich for the lift :D
Remember, that when stalking deer to watch out for Dutchmen hiding in trees that may ping you...
James
Hello everyone, I did the Tracking course arranged by our very own Tony Bristow of BCUK this month, which was run by the company Bushcraft Expeditions, and just wanted to say a few words. Firstly thanks to Woody, Stani, Ross and Adam for a great course. If anyone is thinking of doing a course with these guys they are both very clued up and also helpful & patient. Unfortunately although Tony did his best to fill the minimum of 12 places needed to run this course I understand he was let down late on by members and in the end only seven of us turned up. I don’t know if Bushcraft Expeditions ran the course at a loss but they were good enough not to penalise the rest of us by cancelling the course at the last minute. Obviously it did not show BCUK in too good a light and I just hope it doesn’t make Tony’s job more difficult in future. After all, companies will be reluctant to do us a deal if this sort of thing happens again. Anyway I know I’m speaking for all of us on the course in saying a big thank you to Tony for doing a great job in negotiating a good deal for the course at a reduced price.
Rich B
Dark Horse Dave
31-10-2010, 15:50
Hi folks
I was one of the seven who did this course, and am also very grateful to Tony for making it happen - it really was a very good deal ndeed, and with such a high tutor to student ratio I know we all got a great deal out of it. Of course the patient and expert instruction helped!
I was very impressed with Bushcraft Expeditions (and it was particularly interesting to get some behind-the-scenes insights on some well-known bushcraft and survival personalities!) I would recommend the company's services to others without hesitation, and look forward to doing some more with them myself at some stage.
Regards to fellow course attendees!
Dave