- LanguageEnglish
- Duration2 Days
- DifficultyBeginner
- Next Date04/07/2026
Survival intro workshop in Alentejo for anyone who wants to learn the essential skills of wilderness living in a single condensed two-day programme with one overnight stay at the Woodland camp. Led by Tom Kaltenbach, whose passion for woodland survival is rooted in deep respect for nature, self-reliance and traditional outdoor skills, this intensive course covers everything you need to know to survive and navigate in the wild, from fire crafting and shelter building to finding water, foraging and orientation. Tailored for people with limited time who still want a genuinely complete introduction to survival essentials.
The programme moves through eight core areas across the two days: survival strategy and how to approach an unexpected situation in the wild, shelter building for protection and warmth, finding and purifying water in a woodland environment, making fire without matches, identifying and using wild food, orientation and navigation without modern tools, essential knots and their applications, and the broader skills and mindset of bushcraft. The overnight stay at the Woodland camp puts everything you have learned directly into practice in real conditions, making this genuinely immersive rather than simply instructional.
What you’ll learn
🌲 Survival strategy and how to prioritise decisions in a wilderness situation
🌲 Shelter building techniques for protection and warmth in the wild
🌲 How to find and purify water in a woodland environment
🌲 How to make fire without matches using traditional techniques
🌲 Wild food identification and safe foraging practices
🌲 Orientation and navigation without modern tools
🌲 Essential knots and their practical applications
🌲 Bushcraft skills and the mindset of self-reliance in nature
What’s included
🔥 Two days of intensive guided survival instruction with Tom Kaltenbach
🔥 One overnight stay at the Woodland camp in the Alentejo
🔥 Hands-on practice of all survival skills in real woodland conditions
🔥 A condensed programme covering all essential survival basics
What you leave with
A complete foundational toolkit for wilderness survival, the confidence to apply these skills independently in the wild, and the particular resilience that comes from having spent a night in nature knowing you can handle it.
I am Tom Kaltenbach and my passion for woodland survival comes from a deep respect for nature, self-reliance and traditional outdoor skills. For me, woodland survival is more than outdoor knowledge. It is about building confidence, resilience and a stronger connection to the natural world. I believe that understanding nature and learning to thrive outdoors teaches lessons in patience, preparation and adaptability that apply both in the wilderness and in everyday life.
Two-day intensive with one overnight stay. Takes place at the Woodland camp in Alentejo. Tailored for people with limited time who want a complete survival introduction.
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Related Tags: Fauna & Flora, Outdoor
FAQ
Do I need previous survival or camping experience?
No experience is needed. The Survival Intro Course is designed specifically for beginners and people with limited time who still want to learn essential wilderness survival skills in a practical and supportive environment.
What skills will I learn during the course?
You will cover the core foundations of woodland survival, including survival strategy, shelter building, finding and purifying water, fire making without matches, wild food basics, orientation, knots, and bushcraft skills.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. The course includes one overnight stay at the Woodland camp, giving you the opportunity to apply your new skills in a real outdoor setting.
What should I bring with me?
Once booked, you will receive a recommended kit list. Generally, you should bring weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, a sleeping bag, and personal essentials. Basic survival equipment used during training is usually provided.
Is the course physically demanding?
The course is active and hands-on, but it is suitable for most fitness levels. Activities involve walking in woodland terrain, outdoor camp living, and practical survival exercises throughout the two days.
What will I bring home with me after this experience?
By the end of the Woodland Survival Intro Course, you will leave with practical survival knowledge, increased confidence in the outdoors, and hands-on experience using essential bushcraft techniques in a real woodland environment. You will gain skills in: Building emergency shelters Making fire without matches Finding and purifying water Basic navigation and orientation Essential knots and campcraft Understanding survival priorities and mindset Introduction to wild food and woodland resources Most importantly, you will leave with a greater sense of self-reliance, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature — along with memories of a unique overnight woodland experience.
More about your Teacher Tom Kaltenbach
My passion for woodland survival comes from a deep respect for nature, self-reliance, and traditional outdoor skills. Inspired by survival experts like Tom Kaltenbach, I enjoy learning and practicing the essentials of wilderness living — from fire crafting and shelter building to navigation, foraging, and bushcraft techniques.
For me, woodland survival is more than just outdoor knowledge; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a stronger connection to the natural world. Whether exploring forests, improving survival skills, or sharing outdoor experiences with others, I’m always looking for new ways to grow and challenge myself in the wild.
I believe that understanding nature and learning how to thrive outdoors teaches valuable lessons in patience, preparation, and adaptability that can be applied both in the wilderness and in everyday life.
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