"Woodland Way ALWAYS delivers 👍"

Woodland Way ALWAYS delivers 👍
We had an amazing 5 days course delivered with the usual professionalism, care, humor, immense knowledge and courtesy by Ian and Patrick. Loads of content, but also no pressure, giving space for very precious alone time in the woods. Easy to relax when you see that someone keeps an eye on safety (thank you again for pointing out those dangerous trees and suggesting me to move the shelter).
Sleeping in a wood under the star really is priceless.
As before, cannot wait to be back 😊

"Winter Survival Skills Weekend"

Winter Survival Skills Weekend - East Lothian (Scotland): I joined a 2 night weekend in February to boost my confidence in practical skills. It worked! Andy and Davey were fantastic, knowledgeable course leaders and were both supportive in ensuring we knew what we needed to succeed, while always challenging us to complete the skills sessions ourselves. We build a shelter which kept us dry for 2 nights (and will stand for many more!). We learnt how to skin rabbit, pheasant and pigeon and how these animals are managed back into our food chain to avoid waste. We learnt how to cook using a Dutch oven over a campfire and I thought we'd be hungry but I was wrong - so much good food! We learnt to start a fire several different ways, with and without a flint. We learnt some star navigation, and covered many other topics like forestry management and how to forage safely. I chose this weekend in February deliberately for a challenge, and I loved it. It wasn't easy, but I felt supported the whole time and I'll be back for more courses as it was so well run. Thank you to the team!

"What can I say other than a massive…"

What can I say other than a massive massive thank you to the team at woodland ways Oxfordshire. I just had the most enlightening, amazing wonderful introductory weekend to Bushcraft. I was met at the carpark gate by jay and bill they met us with a warm smile and greeting. We walked up to base camp and the course hq. I can’t praise all the team at Woodland Way is enough for the most amazing wonderful brilliant experience. From the minute we arrived we were learning instantly about wildlife Woodlands Bushcraft, this weekend has given me so so much in many ways I highly recommend anybody thinking about taking up Bushcraft. Please go with this company instructors the apprentice instructors. The new apprentices are all fantastic. A wealth of knowledge gives your whole new perspective on the countryside and nature being at peace with the forest and just thoroughly thoroughly, getting back to nature at its best to me that has given me the confidence to do several more courses. Each one will just add to my knowledge and understanding of everything regarding Bushcraft. I highly highly recommend the team that I was with. Many many thanks again to you all at woodland way.

"Brilliant, exceeded all my expectations!"

Brilliant! Exceeded all my expectations.

If you’d like to sleep in a hammock in the wilds of beautiful Sweden, canoe from camp to camp in stunning surroundings, cut a tree down with an axe, make your own knife, cook for a group of 10 on a camp fire and learn a multitude of canoeing and bushcraft skills from expert guides, this is the course for you!

I attended to September 2024 10 day Sweden expedition under the friendly leadership of Patrick and Ian.
There were 7 other clients, all like minded people who quickly bonded into a cohesive team whose company hugely enhanced my experience.


The weather was kind to us with clear, sunny days and calm moonlit nights although we did get some rain on the penultimate day. The water temperature was not as cold as I anticipated and warm enough for swimming and bathing.

Breakfast and evening meals were supplied by Woodland Ways and did not disappoint in quality or quantity. We ate well, taking turns to cook set meals with the capacity for slight adaptations for dietary requirements and preferences. One of our team was vegan and there was no problem catering for him eating with us.

There were daily tasks that needed to be done. The fire, fire wood and water filtration were on going tasks that we all attended to.

There were activities and learning sessions arranged by Patrick and Ian but there was flexibility in the delivery and if someone just wanted some down time, to go for a walk, or just to lie in their hammock enjoying the ambiance, that was fine too.
That said I would strongly recommend taking every opportunity to learn and try every skill you can.
It’s fair to say that the knife making activity captivated all of us. Patrick made a forge and took us through the process of annealing metal so that we could work it into a blade before tempering in, sharpening it and making a handle for it. My handle is made from a branch chewed down by beavers and glued together with boiled pine resin harvested by the team. How cool is that?!

The highlight of the trip for me was a very early morning paddle out in silence to spot wildlife and watch the sun come up. Four of us did this with Patrick leading us. We got up at 4am in the dark, used red light only to see our way to the canoes which were prepared the evening before. We paddled out in silence onto dead calm waters under a full moon and millions of stars in a clear sky. There was mist rising from the water into the cold crisp air.
The wildlife wasn’t as cooperative as it could have been but we did see a beaver and the lack of wildlife didn’t diminish this remarkable and memorable experience and we have plenty of spectacular photos.
We returned after sunrise to a breakfast of bacon and mushroom sandwiches and fresh coffee prepared by Ian and the team members who opted for a lie in.

When we arrived back at the lodge (run by Michael and his family who supply the canoes) it became clear how mentally refreshing the trip had been for me. Miles away from stress and life’s everyday problems had become normality over the past week or so and even after a relatively short time it felt strange to sit in a chair or use a regular toilet again.
After a debrief, evening meal and a few beers it was an early night for an early morning flight home. But not before many of us had exchanged details with plans to meet up for future outdoor adventures.

Thanks Ian and Patrick for your company, leadership and knowledge. It has left me with lifetime memories.

"Canoeing and Campcraft in Sweden "

Have just returned from amazing 10 day trip to Sweden. Canoeing and camping in hammocks in the beautiful Kloten National Park.

What an amazing experience. The course description and current photos do not really show how good this trip is.

You get to paddle on beautiful Swedish lakes and sleep under the amazing night sky in forests of Birch, Pine and other beautiful trees. The floor is carpeted with amazing mosses and lychens. The flora and fauna all around you is really fantastic and when you sit and look around it's intense. You get opportunity to be in this amazing landscape and environment and to smell, to hear and to experience it is hard to describe.

listening to the sound of "loons" at night from the solitude of a hammock whilst looking up through the most beautuful canopy of trees above you to the stars so bright is priceless.

Being able to make a knife in the woods and being able to participate in the forging and tempering process was unbelievable.

A 4am paddle by moonlight and seeing the sunrise from the canoe was awesome.

.....There was also so much more.

The instructors Patrick and Ian were excellent. Very passionate and full of knowledge and able to instruct and guide the group of very special people that took part in the trip. Both instructors were very different, but able to interact and teach and train in a way that encouraged the development of the group and enriched the trip. I would also say thank you to how diligent the instructors were and attentive to the people that took part on the trip. It was clear they wanted people to get the most out of the expedition but the safety and wellbeing of the individuals was always at the for front of their care and instruction. Thank you.

The trip was amazing. However it was, hard at times as although a beautiful environment, it could be harsh and you are in a environment that needs respect. I was mentally and physically exhausted
at times. This was not in a bad way, it was partly down to my fitness and your days being full with living in this environment. You get plenty of down time and able to enjoy and relax in Sweden but for me, I could have been bit fitter. That said the tiredness and what it took out of you was all part of the experience.

The food was also excellent. Had some really good dinners and breakfasts. Including best eggs ever had! You go to supermarket before you start trip and get your supplies for the trip. Although I had no idea how much things cost or half of what the things were. That said got lots of delicious saucicon and breads. Highly reccomend the panchetta! (We sliced this thickly like belly pork and cooked it on fire!)

A fantastic, highy rewarding and enriching experience.

Would highly recommended trip and Woodland Ways.

Thank you.

"Woodland Ways fundamentals course"

I went on Woodland Ways fundamentals 1 day course in Oxfordshire and had a fun and memorable day. They are professional and have a great set up so that you get to experience and learn a lot in one day. Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly and as a lover of the outdoors and regular camper, I still learned a lot of great tips. I would definitely recommend.

"Thanks Jay"

Jay - thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in such an engaging and considered way. Lauma and I really enjoyed the course and your company. It was a perfect day that's inspired us to get the tents out more. Professional and accomodating experience tailored to us. Cheers.

"Spoon Whittling with Jay "

Had a great day Spoon Whittling with Jay and the team in the Oxfordshire woods. Learned loads about different types of trees, wood and the tools to use to carve with. The team were great and overall a really enjoyable day. Not my first Woodland Ways course and won't be my last.

"Excellent experience "

I attended the Bushcraft Fundamentals course this weekend and was massively impressed by everything.

I was originally a little reluctant to go on my own but I needn't have worried as I didn't once feel left out or self conscious.

The course is well organised, the instructors are super knowledgeable and approachable and their passion for the outdoors is infectious. They managed to acheive a perfect balance of keeping us busy and interested but not rushing us.

It was a really friendly atmosphere with everyone engaged and keen to get involved. I particularly loved the preparation of the pigeon for lunch, which I found really fascinating. But every activity was excellent.

The whole experience was wonderful, interesting and enjoyable. I am already looking at what course I can book on next!

Thanks to all the instructors and fellow participants (and the weather!) for making the day such a positive experience. I can not recommend highly enough.

Brilliant.

"I went on a butchery course"

Recently I went on a small game butchery course for rabbit and pigeon, I found it highly educating and interesting. Futhermore, the instructors and staff are very friendly and chatty!