What can I expect from a workshop?
 
A relaxed day in our private woodland, foraging for wild edibles,  whittling, spoon carving and cooking on the campfire. All food and refreshments are included in your day. 
Our one day workshops run from 10:00-16:00.  
 
What can I expect from an overnight stay? 
 
A chilled weekend with five other like minded individuals participating in woodland based activities from our private woodland location.  
 
Overnight stays run from 10:00 am on day 1 to 16:00 on day 2.
 
Activities are seasonal and vary from course to course but some examples of the activities you may get involve with include foraging, tracking, wild cooking, woodland management, woodcrafts and wilderness living skills. 
 
You can choose where you would like to sleep for the night and we’ll help you pitch your individual shelters and camp beds. 
 
We all muck in together with the running of the off grid camp and food is cooked as a group over the campfire. 
 
All food and refreshments are included throughout your stay but feel free to bring your own food too. 
 
What do I need to bring?

We will provide all equipment required to participate in our activities as well as an individual shelter and camp bed for those staying overnight.  If you prefer to stay in the local B & B (at your own expense) these details will be provided to you upon registering.

Please bring any medication you need with you. 

You must bring your own individual hand sanitiser, reusable mug and gardening gloves and you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and toiletries if staying overnight.
 
Where are you based? 
 
Our woodland is based in Pensford, Bristol. It is set within a Hidden Valley and cannot be seen from the road.  The nearest postcode is BS39 4HW.

We like to protect the species living and growing wild within the woodland and so directions to the woodland will be sent to you once you have booked onto a workshop or overnight stay. 
 
There is a short walk from the car to the woodland accessed via a public footpath, unfortunately, this makes it unsuitable for those with walking difficulties.
 
If you do have walking difficulties and would still like to take part please contact us and and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
 
Our address is for postal correspondence only but is not too far from the woodland
 
What facilities do you have?
 
We have created a quirky off grid woodland camping area with fresh running water and composting toilets. We also have suitable shelter systems in place if it rains. 

All the kit you need to participate in the activities will be provided. 
 
How much does it cost?
 
Our workshops and overnight stays are FREE for all qualifying participants as they are kindly paid for by grants and donations. 
 
If you would like to donate to our CIC or sponsor a place, workshop or overnight stay please do get in touch and we would be delighted to provide you with more details. 
 
Which date can I book onto? 
 
We have allocated dates according to your occupation  i.e military, emergency services or key worker. This is because of the different funding streams that have been made available to us.  
 
Please make sure you sign up to the correct workshop or overnight stay for your circumstances. 
 
If you meet the criteria, you can choose any of the dates which have spaces available. 
 
I am not diagnosed with a mental health condition, can I still attend? 
 
You do not need to have an official diagnosis to attend. 
 
You may be someone who has disengaged and lack confidence to continue as before, or you may simply have recognised that you need a bit of time away from the hustle and bustle of your demanding life. 
 
I am still serving, can I attend? 
 
Absolutely. 
 
What is the definition of Key worker? 
 
A ‘Key Worker’ or ‘Critical Worker’ has been defined by the Government. A full list can be found here. 

Can a group of us come? 
 
Provided all members of your group meet the criteria, you can book on as a group or we can provide a bespoke workshop or overnight stay for your team.  Do get in touch and we will be happy to arrange. 

If your team or group do not meet the criteria Hidden Valley Bushcraft may be able to help.

I have booked onto a course, what happens next? 
 
Once we have received your application we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if your application has been successful. PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK. We will send you further details about what you’ll need and where to meet. Please check your junk mail as our emails often drop there.  If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks please send us an email to check the status of your application.

What happens if the weather is bad?
 
Prior to the activity, we will monitor the weather forecast for the location. In extreme weather conditions. We may have to cancel and reschedule the workshop or overnight stay if it is deemed the weather is likely to put anyone attending in potential danger. 
 
Appropriate clothing must be worn or carried by participants to prepare for all anticipated weather conditions.
 
If it does rain, we have suitable shelter systems in place. 

What time of year are you open?
 
We run throughout the year during weekdays and weekends. 

Why do you need to know about my medical/dietary needs?
 
You must inform us of any special medical conditions or dietary requirements that may effect your well-being during the visit .  This is to ensure that we can cater for your specific needs.
 
We will ask you for these details as well as emergency contact details when booking a date. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and in line with our privacy policy.

Are the activities safe? 
 
All activities are carried out in a controlled environment and are supervised by a qualified bushcraft instructor. Risk assessments have been completed for all activities and the fire is managed responsibly at all times.