9.30am to 4.30pm

The course

Tracking is the ability to recognise the clues left by people and animals and to use those clues to build a picture of where they have been, what they were doing and where you are most likely to find them next. It is not a sixth sense or magic art!

This introductory course will show you some of the basic techniques used in tracking, stalking and observation. The morning session is based around the theory of tracking. The instructors will show you how to recognise prints and signs left by animals and people, basic tracking techniques and terminology, and how to use your environment and the elements to help you.

The afternoon session will be based in the woodland and surrounding area. You will have a chance to put into practise the theory discussed in the morning session. In small groups, you will follow a practice trail laid by the instructors. This will give you first hand experience of using your new skills on a definite track and get to grips with the basic practicalities of tracking. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent identifying tracks, signs and good observation sites around the museum environment.

This course gives you a chance to learn to see your environment from a different point of view. Tracking and observation are skills that are learned over time and with practice.  This course will give you the basic skills that will allow you to find follow and observe wild life at close quarters.

This course is a mixture of short indoor discussion sessions and outdoor practical exercises, while the instructors can arrange most things the weather and nature can be hard to book!  During the course 3-4 hours will be spent outdoor in the woods, please make sure you have decent cold/wet weather clothing and outdoor foot ware.

Participants

Each course will be limited to 12 participants. Participants should be aware that much of the day will be spent out of doors and many paths are sloping and uneven. Hot and cold drinks will be available but please bring you own lunch or you will be able to buy lunch in the café.

Materials

Ian will provide some reference material for you to take away as notes, please bring your own note taking equipment and, although not essential, a camera may be useful for recording tracks and prints.

The Tutor

Ian has been interested in the outdoors for most of his life and has been a keen canoeist and walker since his early teens. His love of wild places and wilderness lead him to successfully complete the only nationally recognised and accredited Bushcraft Instructors course in the UK.
Along with a deep passion for Bushcraft, Ian  holds National Diploma Qualifications in Ecology and Conservation, Woodland Management and an NCFE qualification in Creative Woodcraft. He also holds the Lifesigns Expedition Care Programme First Aid Qualification and is a qualified Further Education Lecturer, who also demonstrates on the museum site throughout the year.

Fee

£65 per person. This includes tuition, teas & coffees

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.