Testimonials

What People Are Saying


“We had a fabulous day yesterday and really enjoyed the location. Your expertise, passion and awe of the natural world was inspiring…”

Kirsty Mawhinney
Full testimonial

“The combination of expertly crafted activities, passionate instructor, and the enchanting natural setting made for a perfect recipe for learning and fun...”

Jemma Mossop
Full testimonial

“Within a few hours I had started my own friction fire and made my own rope. I highly recommend David to anyone who is wanting to learn bushcraft...”

Jordan McKeating
Full testimonial

“I would highly recommend David at Tarn and Wood to anyone interested in furthering their bushcraft knowledge and skills…”

Justine Oloman
Full testimonial

“He knows how to adapt to both adults and children so that everybody gets the most out of the session…”

Hervé Gautier
Full testimonial

Family Session Testimonial

-Kirsty Mawhinney             

“We had a fabulous day yesterday and really enjoyed the location. Your expertise, passion and awe of the natural world was inspiring. You manage children very well and allow for inquisitive minds to express themselves whilst still managing order.

You truly have a natural talent with children. I did not envy you when teaching knife skills. I know that it was a hit for them. They really enjoyed that activity.”

“My daughter thought the natural den making was her favourite and your descriptive language for each layer of the design really made an impression on her. She kept talking about the sinew, ribs, etc...

Thank you, each one of the children have said how much they loved it. I know that you made an impact on each one of us.”

Carousel Session Testimonial

Group of children and adults on a rocky beach, sitting on a blue mat, participating in a beach exploration activity with shells and marine life.

-Jemma Mossop, Brownie Leader

“I am writing to express my gratitude for the incredible experience our Brownie group had with Tarn & Wood. From the moment we booked our session to the last moment of our outdoor adventure, every aspect of our time with David was simply exceptional.

David demonstrated a remarkable ability to engage with the children, fostering a positive and inclusive environment that allowed each girl to thrive in the setting. He not only imparted valuable outdoor skills but also ensured that every activity was tailored to the age and interests of the Brownies, and that the sessions would fulfil the criteria of our Camp Stage 2 skills builder badge - making the girls experience educational and fun.

What impressed us most was how well David interacted wonderfully with the children. His enthusiasm, patience, and genuine interest in the well-being of each child created a positive atmosphere that allowed friendships to blossom and confidence to grow. The number of girls who went from not believing they would be able to light a fire without help, to doing it by themselves after David’s gentle guidance and encouragement was truly wonderful to watch and was a real highlight of our experience.”

Four girls wearing brown jackets with yellow accents, some with goggles, standing outdoors on a rocky ground with greenery and fences in the background. One girl in the center is smiling and pointing to the right. It is cloudy in the sky.

“The activities offered at Tarn & Wood were not only educational but also immensely enjoyable for both the girls and the helping adults. The hands-on experiences, from learning the parts of a tent and how to put one together, to fire building and learning to navigate in the dark, kept everyone actively involved and excited throughout the evening. It was heartwarming to see the girls eagerly participating in every activity, their faces lit up with smiles, and the helping adults equally enjoying the experience.

The impact of our sessions with Tarn & Wood extended beyond the session itself. Many of the girls acquired valuable outdoor skills that they proudly put into practice over the summer break with their own families. The ripple effect of this experience was evident in the stories shared by the girls, describing how they took the lead in setting up tents, making cooking fires and helping to pack for hikes with their families.

The combination of expertly crafted activities, passionate instructor, and the enchanting natural setting made for a perfect recipe for learning and fun. We wholeheartedly recommend Tarn & Wood to any group seeking an adventure that not only educates, but also instils a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Private Session Testimonial

-Jordan McKeating             

“I had been struggling with learning the fundamentals of bushcraft for a while but when I spent time with David it was super easy. Not only is he a great teacher but also patient. Within a few hours I had started my own friction fire and made my own rope. I highly recommend Tarn and Wood to anyone who is wanting to learn bushcraft and have fun while doing it.”

Private Session Testimonial

-Justine Oloman             

“We are so glad we chose to do a bushcraft experience with David from Tarn and Wood. We loved walking in the forest exploring and identifying new flora and how to use the found materials to light fires or build shelters. David tailored the session to our needs and requirements which made the day so much more enjoyable. We learned to identify different types of mushrooms and trees and what each type was suitable for. We also learnt how to use different methods to start a fire and how to make rope. I would highly recommend Tarn and Wood to anyone interested in furthering their bushcraft knowledge and skills.”

Family Session Testimonial

-Hervé Gautier            

“Great family ride full of diversity. David is very knowlegable about the area and took us off the beaten track. He knows how to adapt to both adults and children so that everybody gets the most out of the session. The little extra: kindness and friendliness. Our daughters love cooking popcorn cooked over a wood fire in the forest now thanks to the techniques they learned that day.”

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