membership iconMembership : Bushcraft and Survival Skills SIG

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Welcome to the Bushcraft and Survival Skills Special Interest Group page.  Here you can find out about upcoming events for the group, contacts for courses, link to the register of those who hold the IOL Foundational Bushcraft Competency Certificate, get advice on bushcraft and survival skills and download your own log book pages.

Wonderful Woodland Event

  • The recent two day Workshop and Meeting in the Woods (20th-21st July) in Derbyshire was an overwhelming success with several comments about the high quality of instruction as well as the woodland venue. 35 people came as well as the 6 workshop providers. 33 attendees stayed the night in the woods mostly in their tents, hammocks or under a basha sheet. A great mix of people including Forest School leaders and trainers; Wildlife Rangers/Education officers, Teachers, Outdoor Instructors and Heads of Centre. In amongst the crowd their were an number of people from Leics Forest Schools, Solihull Forest School cluster group as well as a large group from Lancs Wildlife Trust who provided us with plenty of laughs as well as enthusiasm.
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  • On every workshop people came away expressing how much they got out of them and from the repeated comments it is clear that this is the sort of thing group members are wanting more of in the future.
  • My thanks especially to Jason, Kevan, Sarah, Ian and Robert for their time and expertise.
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  • The SIG meeting was very productive with people clarifying much more about what they want from the group.  
  • report by Dave Watson, BSSIG Chair

This is the feedback from just two of the participants:

  • "The event was fantastic, incredibly good opportunity to meet so many like minded professionals.  The instruction was excellent in all cases, especially Dave, and the setting was even better.  I can’t speak highly enough of it all."
  • "The event was fantastic, incredibly good opportunity to meet so many like minded professionals.  The instruction was excellent in all cases, especially Dave, and the setting was even better.  I can’t speak highly enough of it all. The only negative thing is I don’t have any good idea’s for improvement. Not a bad place to be in!  Maybe to improve it there could be two a year instead of one!"
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  • "Just wanted to say how enjoyable the workshops were.... The venue was perfect: Bushcraft heaven really; but also good for people to see it in action and working so successfully. All facilities were there for overnight stay as well.
    The organisation was good: It all ran smoothly but in a relaxed way for all the attendees. The workshops were interesting and the instructors knowledgeable and approachable. Even for experienced people, there was something to learn in each session. As a result I have decided to join the Bushcraft SIG to support what they are doing but also receive relevant info     ..."

Bushcraft Training leading to Foundational Bushcraft Competency Certificate

This is provided by individual bushcraft training organisations and the courses are listed here and follow the link to Bushcraft & Forest School Courses/events.

The IOL Foundational Bushcraft Competency Certificate (FBC)

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  • Assessment dates and costs are listed below.
  • To be added to the register of holders of the FBC you will need to join the IOL and the BSS Special Interest Group.  To do this, please contact the IOL Head Office.  For contact details, please see below.
  •  To meet a growing need in Outdoor Education we are now providing a system of courses to equip those of you who are/aiming to use Bushcraft skills as part of your programmes.
  •  These full 3-day training courses have been created by the Bushcraft and Survival Skills SIG using some of the most experienced trainers of Bushcraft in the country. The course will be run by two trainers for the entire 3 days. This is provided by individual bushcraft trainign organisations and the courses are listed here and follow the link to Bushcraft & Forest School Courses/events.
  •  You should then undergo a period of consolidation before assessment.

Syllabus
  • Safe Shelter construction and bedding
  • Safe use of basic tools and Knife Law
  • Establishing fires by; Bow Drill, Firesteel, Flint and Steel and others
  • Leaving no trace
  • Water Filtering and Purification
  • Basic Tree ID
  • Details of this syllabus are available here (pdf).

Learning Outcomes
  • This certificate demonstrates that the holder has successfully demonstrated a high level of safety and competency in the subjects covered by the course.  This leads on to the Assessment.

Instructors
  • There will be at least 2 instructors with a minimum of 4 years experience in teaching bushcraft and survival skills.

Assessment Dates /
Course Costs

TBC

The Assessment
  • Following these there will be a series of 2 day assessments which then lead to being recognised by the IOL as a holder of the FBC and being listed on the web site.  Details of this syllabus are available here (pdf). This two day assessment is open to existing Outdoor Practitioners who use Bushcraft and who feel that they have a good basic competence without the need for further training.
    Assessments start at 9am (if you have a long way to travel you can book into the wood the night before – phone the assessors for details) and finish at 12pm the following day.
    All assessments are self-catering and self-accommodating and it is suggested that you bring a sandwiches etc for lunch as time is precious.
  • For a copy of the kit list and the booking form, please see the ‘Downloads’ below.

Assessment Dates
  • August 5-6: Escot, Devon. Assessors Jonny Crockett and Kevan Palme.
  • September 21st-22nd: Midhurst, West Sussex. Assessors John Rhyder and George Yeomans.
  • See below for Scotland specific date.

Assessment Cost

£185

How to Book
  • To book one of the courses, please contact the IOL office as below. Email or call 01228 564580.

Terms and Conditions

 

Complaints Procedure
  • Please contact the IOL office.

FBC Certificate Register - this is part of the members only area of the website.

Downloads

Testimonials:

  • The Course was very enjoyable and informative; I certainly learnt lots and highlighted areas for further development.  All instructors were very knowledgeable and supportive.
  • I was happy to submit my self to the scrutiny of the course and also the learning too.  It occurred to me lying in bed this morning that many of the free lance climbing instructors I know run bush craft days for people, but not one would be able to pass that course. 

Find out more about this IOL Special Interest Group and how to get involved through your IOL Membership - Click here.

We now have a specific page listing courses and events for Forest School and Bushcraft Special Interst Group IOL members. BSS SIG Members who are organisational members of IOL can now list their courses FREE on the IOL ourses/events website. Click here for info.

BSS SIG NEWS

Your BSS SIG Executive consists of:

  • Chair: Dave Watson
  • Coordination with Forest Schools - Sarah Robertshaw
  • Quality Assurance and Assessment coordinator: Kevan Palmer
  • Traning Devleopment: John Rhyder
  • Membership: Jason Ingamells

 

  • BSSIG Assessors (Assessors not on committee: George Yeomans)

The committee was elected in October 2009. For a copy of the BSS SIG Constitution see the members only area here.

  • To meet the committee click here for profiles (updated 21/7/2010).

BSS SIG Meetings

  • Next BSS SIG Exec meeting TBC
  • Next BSS SIG General meeting - 20-22nd July at Springwood, Derbyshire

 

Click here for BSS SIG:
Background & membership info...

 

NOTE: Application for Membership of IOL and the IOL Bushcraft SIG is only available directly through the main office of IOL (see the foot of this page).

July 2009
VITAL Notice on Insurance for all IOL Events