FAQs
Common Questions and Answers
What is the best wilderness survival course for beginners?
If you’re completely new to wilderness survival training, we recommend either the Survival Weekend or Basic Wilderness Survival.
The Survival Weekend is ideal if you’d like a shorter introduction and want to experience a night in camp while learning the fundamentals. Basic Wilderness Survival provides a more comprehensive grounding in wilderness survival skills. It remains our most popular course for beginners.
Do I need previous bushcraft or wilderness survival experience to attend the Woodland Wilderness School courses?
Wilderness Survival focuses on the skills and mindset needed to cope with unexpected situations in the wilderness, such as finding shelter, water, fire and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
Bushcraft focuses on living comfortably and sustainably in nature using traditional skills, tools and knowledge. While survival is often about immediate needs, bushcraft is about long-term self-reliance and enjoying time outdoors.
The two disciplines overlap and complement each other.
What equipment / clothing will I need to bring?
A full kit list will be provided after booking. In general, you’ll need suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, a sleeping bag, personal items and a small amount of basic camping equipment. We suggest bringing something warmer for the evenings, as it can get cooler at night.
We aim to keep equipment requirements practical and accessible, and specialist training equipment is provided where required. Tents, knives and other equipment can also be hired for a small additional fee (provided on a first come, first served basis).
Where will I sleep during the course?
Participants may sleep in tents, hammocks, natural shelters or other outdoor accommodation appropriate to the training being delivered. Please let us know in advance if you’ll need to hire a tent.
Are meals included in the price?
Yes, all food and drinking water is included in each course.
Can I attend alone?
Absolutely. Our courses welcome participants of all genders, ages and backgrounds, united by a shared interest in nature, outdoor skills and personal development. Solo participants are always welcome. If you do come alone, prepare to leave with new budding friendships!
Can I bring my family?
Sure. Many families attend our programs, which often makes the group dynamic feel even more special. Ideally, kids should be 12 years +, but we do sometimes make exceptions depending on the course type. Email info@woodland-survival.com or Whatsapp +351 934 973250, and we’ll figure it out.
Where are the courses held?
Courses take place in the beautiful and remote landscapes of the Baixo Alentejo region of southern Portugal. This area provides an ideal environment for learning wilderness skills, offering forests, lakes, open countryside and abundant wildlife in a peaceful setting away from busy tourist areas.
Our school is situated in Torquines, Odemira. Transport from the nearest train station (Santa Clara- Saboia) can be provided. Please also let us know if you have any special food requirements or allergies.
How do I get there?
If you come by car you can just enter Woodland Survival School into Google Maps and you will find a pin.
If you are flying into Portugal, you can either come via Faro or Lisbon Airport. From both cities you have a direct rail connection to our nearest train station (Santa Clara- Saboia) where pickup can be organized.
Take a look at the train schedule/ prices at: https://cp.pt/en/
Can private groups book a course?
Certainly. Email info@woodland-survival.com or Whatsapp +351 934 973250, and we’ll figure it out. Private groups can be conducted in English, Portuguese and German.
Is wilderness survival training worth it?
Wilderness survival training teaches practical skills that can increase confidence, resilience and self-reliance in outdoor environments. While most people will never face a life-or-death survival situation, the knowledge gained can make hiking, camping, travelling and outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable. Many participants also find that survival training improves problem-solving and adaptability. Being outdoors in nature, unplugged from technology and screen time for a few days, also gives your nervous system a great rest.
Can anyone learn wilderness survival skills?
Yes. Wilderness survival skills can be learned by people of all ages and backgrounds.
You don’t need previous outdoor experience, specialist knowledge or exceptional fitness to get started. Survival is less about strength and more about understanding priorities, making good decisions and learning practical skills that work in the natural world.
What are the most important wilderness survival skills?
While many wilderness survival techniques exist, the most important survival skills are:
- Maintaining a calm and positive mindset
- Understanding survival priorities
- Building shelter
- Finding and purifying water
- Lighting and maintaining a fire
- Sourcing natural food
- Navigation and orientation
- Signalling for help
- Risk assessment and decision-making
In most wilderness survival situations, mindset and decision-making are more important than any single technical skill.
Is it dangerous?
Safety is our highest priority.
All activities are carefully planned and supervised by an experienced instructor. Risk assessments are conducted where appropriate, and training is delivered progressively to ensure participants develop skills safely and confidently.
How long does it take to learn bushcraft?
Bushcraft is a lifelong journey rather than a skill you fully master in a few days.
A beginner can learn the fundamentals of shelter building, campcraft and tool creation during our course. However, developing deeper knowledge of plants, wildlife, tracking, foraging, woodcraft and natural materials often takes years of practice and experience.
The most rewarding aspect of bushcraft is that there is always more to learn!
Is bushcraft the same as camping?
No. While camping and bushcraft share some similarities, they have different goals.
Camping often involves bringing equipment and supplies to enjoy time outdoors comfortably.
Bushcraft focuses on developing the knowledge and skills needed to live comfortably in nature using natural resources, traditional techniques and a deeper understanding of the environment.
Many bushcraft practitioners camp, but bushcraft goes far beyond camping equipment and outdoor recreation.
What are primitive skills?
Primitive skills are traditional human skills developed before the use of modern technology. Examples include:
- Friction fire lighting
- Stone and bone tool making
- Natural cordage
- Basketry
- Primitive hunting methods
- Bark craft
- Tracking
- Shelter construction
- Wild food gathering
These skills provide insight into how humans lived for thousands of years and help develop a deeper appreciation for both nature and human ingenuity.
How do I ‘reconnect’ with nature?
Reconnecting with nature often begins with slowing down and paying attention.
Simple practices such as observing wildlife, learning about local plants, walking without distractions and developing sensory awareness can help foster a deeper relationship with the natural world.
Our Nature Awareness and Nature Mysticism courses are specifically designed to help participants cultivate a deep nature connection through guided experiences and practical exercises.
What does ‘deep nature connection’ mean?
Deep nature connection describes a meaningful relationship with the natural world that goes beyond recreation or outdoor activities.
It involves developing awareness of natural patterns, wildlife behaviour, seasonal cycles and the interconnectedness of all living things. Many people find that deepening their connection with nature improves wellbeing, reduces stress and creates a stronger sense of belonging.
What is bird language?
Bird language refers to the patterns of communication used by birds to respond to changes in their environment.
Birds constantly provide information about predators, food sources, territory and disturbances. By learning to recognise these patterns, trackers and naturalists can gain valuable insights into what is happening in the surrounding landscape.
Bird language is considered one of the foundational skills of our Nature Awareness and Nature Mysticism courses.
How can I use what I’ve learnt in everyday life?
Many people are surprised by how transferable the skills you’ll learn are.
Our survival, bushcraft and nature awareness courses are designed to develop qualities such as resilience, adaptability, confidence, problem-solving, risk assessment and stress management. These skills can be valuable not only in the wilderness, but also in work, family life and personal challenges.
I want to join a course, but there are no available dates which suit me.
Please feel free to email info@woodland-survival.com or Whatsapp +351 934 973250, and we’ll look at the calendar. In the meantime, you can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of new course dates.
I really like the concept of the Woodland Survival School – is there a way for me to get involved?
Yes – we occasionally offer free places on courses, in exchange for skills that help us share and grow what we do.
We’re especially interested in working with people who have experience in areas such as content creation, photography, filmmaking, social media, storytelling, community building or other creative skills that align with our work.
If you feel you could contribute, please email info@woodland-survival.com or Whatsapp +351 934 973250 with a short introduction about what you do, and how you think you might be able to support the school. We’ll start a conversation from there!
