Tracking & Field Craft Course
An introduction to wildlife tracking and nature awareness.
An introduction to wildlife tracking and nature awareness.
Tracking is arguably the original science.
Once indivisible from daily survival, the ability to read the landscape
formed an integral skill, enabling native peoples the world over to
become experts at natural resource utilization. Knowledge and
experience of tracking, permits the student of nature to identify and
trace a string of footprints, marks or events. Additionally, tracking
forms a deeper and more holistic skill; through heightening your senses
and tuning into your surroundings, you embark on a journey to uncover
the secrets of the forest and all her hidden resources. A master tracker once said, “Tracking is an educational process like learning how to read. In fact it is learning to read.” Through a variety of exercises designed to re-discover the power of your senses, you will gradually attune to the language of the forest, enabling you to move silently and unobserved, enhance your nature awareness skills, recognise the sounds and smells in nature, and read the signs left behind by it’s inhabitants.
Photo credit © Richie Owens
This course is a comprehensive introduction into the secretive and mesmerising science and art of tracking. Initially covering simple track and sign identification in the seclusion of the woods, we'll progress into the more advanced techniques of unravelling speed and gait from the trails left in the sand on the windswept Cumbrian coast. You will benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of our team, who have trained extensively under international tracking experts, and who bring a wealth of domestic and international tracking experience to this course.
Topics covered:
- Trailing
- Tracking etiquette and lost track procedures
- Recognising animal tracks
- Gait analyses
- Feeding sign and scat
- Calls, homes, and behaviour.
- Stalking and silent movement
- Camouflage and de-scenting
- Sensory awareness
- Observation techniques
- Bird Language
| "I no longer think 'how am I going to get around that muddy path
without getting my boots messy?' I'm thinking 'cool - wonder if there
are any good tracks?' You've changed my view of the world!" - Yee-Lin Tan Search the WILD ON ARRAN blog archive for 'Tracking School' for a review of our 2011 Tracking Course |
Most people who attend this course often book onto its companion course focused on the uses of plants and trees, the Plantlore Bushcraft Course as well.
Heads Up... Whilst not essential, if you are keen on doing a bit of pre-course reading, we would recommend the following books - Pocket Guide to Tracks (USA based pdf. but lots of UK crossover)