Courses, Expeditions and Equipment Questions
Accommodation and Food Questions
Payment and Booking Questions
Other Questions
Courses, Expeditions and Equipment
Q: Do I need specialist clothing and equipment for Frontier Bushcraft courses?
For our UK-based courses you don’t need specialist clothing or equipment. Where specialist equipment is required, we normally provide it. Where there are exceptions to this (on more advanced courses) it is clearly indicated. The main items you will need are: some outdoor clothing, including waterproofs, a head-torch, a whistle, a water bottle, a mug, a plate or bowl, some eating utensils. For some courses and expeditions you will need some camping equipment.
Some of our expeditions may require you to bring clothing and equipment suited to a specific environment that is different to your home environment. Each course and expedition has its own kit-list, which is available on request. This will also be sent to you after your booking has been confirmed.
Q: Can I bring my own equipment, even if I am not required to?
Normally you will be able to bring your own equipment (e.g. knife, saw, tarp, bivvy bag, etc) even if we provide it as part of the course. Some exceptions to this are if we view the equipment as potentially unsafe or unfit for the task at hand or if standardised equipment is required for part of the course (e.g. attaching matching one-man tarps together to create a larger shelter). The final decision about whether you can use your own equipment will be at the sole discretion of the course/expedition leader. If you have a particular item or related question in mind, please email us on info@frontierbushcraft.com
Q: Can I bring/use an axe?
A good axe is a wonderful tool and a joy to use. An axe is also dangerous; mistakes with axes are normally much more costly than with smaller cutting tools. Hence, we have strict policies around the use of axes. Axes must not be used at any time, unless the individual student has permission from the instructor leading the course. Some of our courses teach the use of an axe. Some of our courses and expeditions allow you to use an axe if you have experience of using one and can demonstrate safety and competence in its use. On other courses, however, the use of an axe is not appropriate and, therefore, not permitted. Please check individual course descriptions and kit-lists for details. If you are still unsure, please email us on info@frontierbushcraft.com
Q: Do I need to be experienced in the outdoors or with camping to come one of your courses or expeditions?
More important is an enjoyment of being outdoors, an open mind and a positive mental attitude. Many of our courses and expeditions require no experience of bushcraft or camping. Indeed they are designed to introduce you to the skills and knowledge we teach, building your experience as you go. We aim to be inclusive. Other courses do build on the fundamentals and challenge people to further their skills and experience. The experience level required is always clearly marked – for any of our courses or expeditions just look for the ‘Experience Required’ heading within the individual course or expedition description.
Q: Where are your courses held?
Frontier Bushcraft runs courses/expeditions in the UK and abroad. The region the course/expedition is held will be indicated within the individual course/expedition description. Once you have booked a course/expedition we will send out full joining instructions and directions to the course meeting point.
Q: Are there any age limits?
We have a strict lower age limit of 18 years on many of our courses/expeditions, except where they are specifically and exclusively offered to young people or families. Please see individual course/expeditions descriptions for age limits on specific courses. We have taught students in their seventies. Provided you are in good physical health, there is no reason why you should not attend. If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP before booking.
Q: Are Frontier Bushcraft staff first-aiders?
Yes, all of our staff are first-aid trained.
Food and Accommodation
Q: Is food provided on Frontier Bushcraft courses/expeditions?
With only a few exceptions, our courses are fully catered. The exceptions are clearly marked as self-catered in the individual course descriptions. Even when food is provided, you will often be involved with the preparation and cooking of meals. This is part of the outdoor experience! There will always be a kettle on the go in our main camp and a biscuit box available, so that students are free to make tea and coffee at any time. The food provided will be more than adequate, but you are welcome to bring extra snacks, etc if you wish.
Our expeditions are fully catered. Please see individual expedition descriptions and itineraries for more details on what type of food will be provided and how meals may vary during different phases of an expedition.
Q: Will I have to live from the land?
Some of our courses involve gathering wild foods. Some of more advanced bushcraft courses require you rely on your skills to hunt, gather and cook for yourself. Please see individual course descriptions for further information.
Q: Do you cater for pescatarians?
Yes, see below.
Q: Do you cater for vegetarians?
We are happy to cater for pescatarians and vegetarians on our courses and expeditions – just let us know at the time of booking. There is an opportunity during the booking process to tell us about this. This information can also be added and edited later once you have created a log-in and password for our booking system.
Q: Do you cater for vegans?
We can do but you may also need to bring/help us arrange some of your own food depending on the circumstances/location of the course/expedition. Please make sure you tell us you are vegan. There is an opportunity during the booking process to tell us about this. If you wish to discuss your options before you book, then please contact us on info@frontierbushcraft.com.
Q: Do you cater for people with food intolerances?
If you have any allergies, food intolerances or other dietary requirements, please make sure you include this information when you book. There is an opportunity during the booking process to tell us about this.
If you are wheat free, gluten or dairy intolerant it is advisable to bring your own snack food such as gluten, wheat- or dairy- free energy bars, biscuits, cake etc.
N.B. We cater for vegetarians, food allergies and serious food intolerances (such as Celiac disease), but not for minor dietary dislikes. If you have strong dietary preferences such as following a raw food diet please contact us on info@frontierbushcraft.com to discuss your options.
Q: Do you cater for people who can’t eat specific foods on religious grounds?
We respect all religions. If you have particular religious food restrictions please let us know when you book. There is an opportunity during the booking process to tell us about this. If you wish to discuss your options before you book, then please contact us on info@frontierbushcraft.com
Q: Are Frontier Bushcraft staff trained in food hygiene?
Yes, Frontier Bushcraft staff are trained in food hygiene and safety.
Q: Can I bring alcohol?
Alcohol is generally inappropriate on our courses or expeditions and therefore not allowed. There are clear safety issues with people being under the influence while outdoors, especially in an unfamiliar environment or in the dark, not to mention while using cutting tools. There are times during courses/expeditions when alcohol may be appropriate and available (for those who wish to partake) and on these occasions we will let you know. Otherwise see the course/expedition as an opportunity to de-tox for at least a few days!
Q: Do you have an outdoor centre?
No. Most of our courses are run entirely outdoors, from an expedition-style camp.
Q: What accommodation is provided?
Our courses are generally run entirely outdoors, and you will be camping for the duration of the course – either using your own camping equipment or equipment that we will provide. Please see individual course descriptions for further information. On expedition, when you are not camping using your own equipment, accommodation provided will normally be shared (normally twin). Sometimes, single accommodation is available. Where single accommodation is requested, a supplement may be payable.
Q: Do your courses have a shower?
Yes. A basic, screened expedition-style gravity-fed shower will be available for your use.
Q: What toilet facilities do you have?
Courses are run from an expedition-style base camp. Our sanitation is also of an expedition style. This means that our toilet facilities are screened, trench latrines. This is a low-impact and environmentally friendly method of toileting. We aim to teach you about all aspects of living outdoors. Good hygiene and sanitation practices are part of this.
Payment and Booking
Q: How do I book?
The fastest way for you to secure a booking on one of our courses or expeditions is to follow the ‘book now’ link from the course/expedition you wish to book, then follow the easy steps to book online. Our online booking system is available 24/7, waiting to serve you. It does a fast and efficient job and is an integral part of our ‘team’ – which is great because you can make your booking easily and we spend less time on paperwork and we get to spend more time outdoors running courses and expeditions.
Alternatively you may organise a booking by phoning us or emailing us (please do not email credit card details to us). We may take some time to respond, certainly longer than our online booking system. Please note that until you have been issued with a booking receipt, your booking has not been confirmed. Please see our Terms and Conditions of Booking for more details.
Q: How do I pay?
You can make a card payment online via the secure payment interface of our booking system. Or you can book and pay by card over the phone. Or you can arrange a booking over the phone or email and pay by bank transfer (we will provide our bank details at the time). Please note that until you have been issued with a booking receipt, your booking has not been confirmed. Please see our Terms and Conditions of Booking for more details.
Q: Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Maestro etc.), with the notable exception of American Express. We hope to be able to accept American Express in the future. Please do not send credit card details via email.
Q: How do I book multiple places on a course?
This is easy. It’s the same basic process as booking for an individual. Within the online booking system enter the number of places you are looking to book, search availability and the system will tell you which courses are available with at least this many spaces. You can search on a particular course or on all of our courses. Choose your course and course date then proceed to book.
If you wish to make a private group booking, we can arrange private versions of our public courses/expeditions or special courses/expeditions for groups of people on a bespoke basis. See below for more details.
Q: Can we book a private course, expedition or a bespoke event?
Certainly. We pride ourselves on working closely with our private clients to provide a tailored experience. We can arrange special courses, expeditions or events for groups of people on a bespoke basis. Please see our private and bespoke section and/or contact us. One of our senior instructors will personally deal with your enquiry as soon as they are available.
Q: Can I receive one-to-one tuition?
Our instructors enjoy working with individuals to develop personal skills. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Q: I’m already booked on a course/expedition. Can I move to a course/expedition with a different date?
Yes, provided it is before the balance due date for the course/expedition on which you are booked and that there is space available on the course/expedition on the date you wish to change to. Please note that there is a small administration charge for moving course dates. Please read our Terms and Conditions of Booking for more information. Please contact us at bookings@frontierbushcraft.com to arrange a transfer to a different course/expedition date.
Q: I’m already booked on a course/expedition. Can I move to a different course/expedition?
Yes, provided it is before the balance due date for the course/expedition on which you are booked and that there is space available on the course/expedition on the date you wish to change to. Please note that there is a small administration charge for moving course dates. Please read our Terms and Conditions of Booking for more information. Please contact us at bookings@frontierbushcraft.com to arrange a transfer to a different course/expedition date.
Other Questions
Q: Is there somewhere safe to park my car?
Our UK courses are conducted within private land with limited access to the general public. There are parking facilities provided within the estate, and whilst we cannot guarantee the safety of your vehicle, the parking is a significant distance along a private road. The usual common-sense applies in terms of not leaving valuables and other easily removed items in your car.
Q: What should I do with my personal belongings? Will they be safe?
We recommend that you keep any valuable personal belongings in your day sack.
Q: Can I use a mobile phone on my course/expedition?
If you wish to, you can of course use your phone or other mobile device to stay in touch with family, friends. colleagues, etc., but please use these devices quietly and discreetly. Many course/expedition participants attend, at least in part, to get away from phones, email and other technological demands on their attention. They wish to experience the great outdoors without these distractions. Also remember when camped close to others that a tent is not very sound-proof!
You will not be permitted to use your phone or other mobile device during talks, lectures and demonstrations. It is not only distracting for other course participants but you could also miss important safety information. Please also bear in mind that some places we visit on courses/expeditions have no mobile reception.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not permitted on any of our courses/expeditions.