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Youth Groups
IOL LEVEL 3 BUSHCRAFT COMPETENCY TRAINING
Hone your bushcraft knowledge with our IOL accredited competency courses. Learn to survive in and engage with nature in a practical setting with expert instruction.
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Designed for instructors, activity leaders, teachers and providers of bushcraft, these courses provide the skills and underpinning knowledge required for individuals to prepare for assessment to achieve the IOL Level 3 Bushcraft Competency Award.
Assessment
Please note that this is a training programme and does NOT include assessment. Assessment requires candidates to complete a logbook evidencing a minimum of 60 hours of bushcraft delivery followed by a ½ day assessment.
This can by booked by participants when they are ready and will be delivered by an approved IOL Bushcraft assessor.
AVAILABLE COURSES
Competency Award Training
Start: 09:30 | 27th April 2026
Finish: 16:30 | 28th April 2026
Level: Intermediate
The programme is suitable for those entering bushcraft and those who have some experience would like to achieve a qualification to support their continuing professional development.
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This course goes into the evening (until approx 9pm)
All accommodation and meals provided
Unit
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Edged Tools - Knives and Saw
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Fire
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Water
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Tarp Shelters & Knots
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Campfire cooking
£235
per person
Competency Certificate Training
Start: 09:30 | 17th November 2026
Finish: 16:15 | 19th November 2026
Level: Intermediate
This programme is ideal for individuals who have completed the Award or have prior experience in delivering bushcraft skills, and are looking to deepen their expertise and earn a comprehensive, recognised qualification in bushcraft instruction.
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This course goes into the evening (until approx 9pm)
All accommodation and meals provided
Unit
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Edged tools - knives & saws
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Fire
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Bow drill
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Water
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Debris shelters & bedding
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Tree identification and uses
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Natural Navigation
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Cordage
£325
per person
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION
Mount Cook Adventure Centre
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Half suite Glamping accommodation
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Several dedicated bushcraft areas
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Set in disused quarry teeming with wildlife​
Millers Green
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5 minute drive from accommodation
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16 acres of woodland, ponds and grassland
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Private conservation location
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PROGRAMME LEAD: BILLY SOUTER
Billy is a highly skilled, instructor, dedicated to the teaching and preservation of traditional and primitive living skills. With expertise that spans beyond general bushcraft, Billy is proficient in a wide array of ancestral techniques, including hide tanning, primitive fire lighting, fibre crafting, flint knapping, bone work, and traditional fishing methods.​
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Based in Derbyshire, Billy designs and delivers his own immersive courses, while also working as a freelance instructor alongside some of the UK’s most respected bushcraft practitioners.
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Billy is also a valued member of the instructional team at Mount Cook Adventure Centre, where he continues to share his passion for wilderness living and traditional skills with a wide range of learners.