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John Rhyder and Woodcraft School offer expert, hands-on training in wildlife tracking, ethnobotany, and bushcraft, helping students build practical skills and a lasting connection with nature. A lifelong naturalist and experienced educator, John has been teaching since 1994 and has delivered respected courses through Woodcraft School since 2000. Students learn to read wildlife signs, identify tracks and behaviours, and develop keen observation skills.
These skills turn curiosity into understanding and presence in nature into quiet expertise
COURSES
Our woodland camp, set in 250 acres of ancient woodland on a private estate in the South Downs National Park, provides an ideal setting for wildlife tracking, bushcraft, and ethnobotany courses. With a three-acre lake, streams, and meadows, students gain hands-on experience in natural history, plant identification, and traditional outdoor skills. Beyond the South Downs, we run tracking programmes, bushcraft courses, and guided nature and tracking tours across the UK and Europe, bringing participants closer to wildlife, plants, and wilderness skills in inspiring natural landscapes.
Wildlife and Tracking
Track and sign identification and trailing or following the animals using the tracks and signs.
Ethnobotany
Plants and trees and fungi their identification and uses including wild foods and medicines and bushcraft uses.
Bushcraft
Covering the traditional outdoor living skills and crafts that are wedded to our region. essential skills for any naturalist