Testimonials
Copyright of Wilderness Essentials Survival School
Self Defence & Edged/Blunt Weapons Awareness TrainingThanks for a fantastic course which exceeded my expectations. Pete was very informative giving clear demonstrations, explanations and time to practice techniques. The techniques were simple and highly effective making them far more likely to be remembered if needed.
I would highly recommend the course to anyone of any age, size or physical ability or to anyone wishing to improve their confidence and self defense skills. The course was not only a lot of fun but I came away with skills that could potentially save my life.
Thanks Pete
Gf MGui
Self Defence & Edged/Blunt Weapons Awareness TrainingI recently attended Petes one day Urban Survival course to learn some key skills in self defence for everyday life. I believe that it's more crucial than ever to be aware of my surroundings and as best equipped as possible should I find myself in a hostile situation such as a scenario where I might be faced with a potential mugger.
The course delivered everything that I'd hoped for and I'd recommend it to other women of all ages who would like to feel more confident in todays urban environment.'
Sara C
Self Defence & Edged/Blunt Weapons Awareness Training
This was so much more simple than I expected. Within 5 minutes I was able to practise effectively 2 very simple techniques to disarm a knife attack and after a couple of hours I felt confident to deal with a baseball bat, a close encounter with a pistol and unarmed attacks. As a disabled person unable to run, this initial introduction has been invaluable and I look forward to returning to further these skills. Well worth the small investment especially when I'm being taught by somebody who teaches and practises these skills at the highest levels around the world.
Ben Culverhouse.
Dear Matt,
Thank you again for providing such an excellent survival programme for our Explorer Scouts in Hampshire at the very reasonable rate you support us with, your support allows us to provide challenge and adventure to our young people and they have all come away with some essential skills.
Thanks again for all your support,
Yours in Scouting
Mike Baxter (County Explorer Leader North Hampshire).
Wilderness Essentials proud Supporters of Hampshire Explorer Scouts
Well what a great weekend!
I would like to say a big thank you to the wilderness essentials survival school instructors for all there hard work and effort in the setting up and running of the Hampshire Survival Challenge.
The young people and the adults who where instructed enjoyed the whole course and are allready asking when the next course is.
So Thank You All.
Gus Angus (Hampshire).
Hey Matt, It was a great pleasure to spend some time with you and Peter and thanks for the lessons that you taught. If there's one thing I learnt, it was putting myself through the discomfort of the first night despite the temptation to go and get some warmer kit and realise that, with my current leg condition, the best thing I can do if a situation occurs is to chill out, make myself as comfortable as possible, get some water on the go and be patient.
I know there's loads more you can teach me and when the leg is improved with the metalwork out next year, I would be delighted to take you up on your offer of a few days in Pumsaint. Take care Matt, send my regards to Peter and thank you for the time in the woods with you both. Regards Ben Culverhouse.
Hi Matt, Thank you for running the 3 day course at Stafford over the weekend. I thought the course covered all the essential things one needed to know in order to have a chance of surviving after an incident. The pace of the course was gentle which was good because we were then able to practise in our own time the things you had demonstrated. The drive home was a pain as the A34 was blocked and the detour I took was even worse as the centre of Abingdon was closed with an annual fair. But I survived.
Thanks again Regards Peter Culverhouse.
Hi Matt, just wanted to say we really enjoyed the 3 day course last weekend the experience and training we received was second to none thanks again Matt and don’t forget to give me a bell when the next course kicks off. Regards Chris.
Thanks again for all your help and the work you and the team did on the 3 day course,
I am definitely going to be booking onto further courses with yourself in the future.
Also, if you could please email me the details regarding the Edged/Blunt weapon awareness course in November that would be great!
Thanks again for everything I learnt on the 3 day course! James.
Matt, thanks again for the weekend, a steak and 12 hours in bed and I feel normal again. My wife can't shut me up talking about it all! Cheers
Phil (Winchester).
Matt, just thought i'd drop you a note to say thank you for the Edged Weapons Awareness Course with Peter on Sunday. It was an excellent few hours and exceptionally useful, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this course, Please pass on my thanks to Peter - an outstanding instructor, I would definitely now look to book myself on the personal safety awareness and personal protection course - just need to free up the time. I hope that there will be another course after the one in July. Many thanks once again!
Simon (Essex).
To the team.
What a brill weekend, I would like to thank you all on behalf of us all for allowing us the opportunity to book on the Edge Weapons Awareness course.
Pete was Brilliant, what an instructor to have and his knowledge is second to none.
I believe this course will be a great success as i know i am looking to attend your full Personal Safety Awareness & Self Protection course as the info and instruction opened your eyes to reality and everyday life a must for all, Once again thank you!
Gus (Hampshire).
Hi Matt,
Big thanks to yourself for an excellent 2 day course in Surrey. My son and I learned an enormous amount and we will never forget it. He's already asking me to buy him extra kit !! I hope to take him on some short expeditions myself and build on what you have taught us. I think the best part for my son was being able to remember 15 edible plants and their medicinal uses and also the construction of some sprung animal traps.
We will definitely be back soon on the 3 day course and maybe, one day, ... the 5 day winter course in the Brecon Beacons.
Tim B (London)
Having completed a 5 day survival course in South Wales, the level of knowledge provided by Matt and Ian was second to none, with practical skills explained then the opportunity to put them into practise.
From the start given a scenario, most of your equipment taken away, building a shelter from natural materials and spending 2 nights only to be moved to start again. Working initially with someone else then on an individual level making the experience as real as possible, Matt walked an unplanned route and identified over 30 plants that were edible and described their uses.
The whole course was conducted in a safe and friendly environment with help and advice on hand when needed allowing me to learn with hands on experience.
Stuart Stevens (Derby)
Hi Matt I just wanted to drop you a quick line and say a huge thank you from me and the girls. They really enjoyed themselves which was the main thing for me.
They keep asking when they can go for a longer trip! It was also a very cool weekend for me and very informative, please thank Ian for me also, hopefully we will come back some time soon for some more.
Patric Franzen
After attending a 5 day survival course with you in Stafford I can honestly say I have never attended a course with so much content, so well delivered and with such friendly enthusiastic people. Right from the start the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, though I always felt I was in good hands. The plant walk with Matt was great, it wasn’t a rehearsed route, as any plant we asked about he could identify and give us its uses in moments. The self protection techniques were so simple though the outcome was so apparent, it was good to learn and an eye opener, though let’s hope I don’t need to use that any time. Being able to put my survival training into practice in a controlled environment, meant I was able to see exactly where I needed help and therefore boosted my training beyond what I could be told by others in lectures. All in, I am thoroughly pleased with the course content and instruction and wish to give my sincere thanks to the whole team. I look forward to booking another course with you.
Dimitri van Beuzel (Holland)
"I've just come back from a two day course and was absolutely gutted that I had not chosen to stay longer! The instructors made us all feel very welcome and at ease right from the start. The pace at which the instructions were given was as such that we could all follow them and they actively encouraged questions from the group.
I would highly recomend anyone to take a course with Wilderness Essentials whether total beginner or if you already have some knowledge. I will certainly be booking a further course shortly".
Jason Morgan, (Wales)
Wilderness Essentials proud Supporters of Hampshire Explorer Scouts
Click on image to read Testimonial from County Explorer leader Gus Angus
"Just wanted to say thanks for another excellent course, great instruction from a very professional team and a fun, friendly relaxed atmosphere i will see you all next year for stage 3"
Robert Munton, (Bradford)
Having attended a three day survival course with Wilderness Essentials in December, I would like to say that Matt runs a very professional, enjoyable & extremely knowledgeable in survival techniques and I had the added bonus of being the only person on the course because no one else wanted to be out in the bad weather which had gripped the uk, I learnt a huge amount.
If your looking for a no nonsense course that will teach you what you need to know, run by a very professional, knowledgeable and friendly team then this is the one you should be doing. I'm going to be doing another course this year so I can learn more in a friendly informative environment.
Great stuff, Brian.
Pretty much everything you could ask for out of a survival course. Hands on experience living in and with nature. Fantastic practical guidance from an expert team of guys and a friendly relaxed atmosphere which enabled me to get the most out of the learning experience.
Would highly recommend to others and hope that more women decide to have a go at this course-Worth every penny!
Sara Clowes. (Liverpool)
"I have just returned from a 3 day course with Matt i can only say it knocked the pants off the 5 day course i just recently attended with another company.
Having 2 instructors showed that the one on one tuition is invaluable, under supervision we were allowed to make our own mistakes then have them corrected, i could tell that our safety, well being and achivements were at the for front of Matt's mind.
I could not have asked for more from Matt on such a short course, I am looking forward to the 2 Day plant ID course and the costal survival course."
Thanks Again Rich Maher. ( Yorkshire )
“The level of service and training at Wilderness Essentials is fantastic. Having been a return customer, I am consistently impressed by the professionalism of every staff member I have come in contact with. Thank you!”
Mark Broxton. ( Irlam Manchester )
Many thanks for a good course, I learn't a lot, very good value for money, first class Instructors, I'm looking forward to the next plant id course in May.
All the best
Ian Lomas. ( Greater Manchester )
Hi Matt, Just wanted to say thanks on behalf of Andy and myself for last weekend in Stafford! We both felt that the course was handled really well, with a great balance between professional instruction and hands-on practice, we will no doubt see you in the future...for the 3-day or 5-day epic!
“In this day and age, it’s hard to find a company you can trust. Wilderness
Essentials was recommended to me by a friend, and now I know why – the quality of service and training I received was outstanding. Keep up the good work!”
Travis Lodge. ( Prestwich Manchester )
" I really enjoyed the weekend and hope to be able to do it again sometime - and may be bring my grandson along, see you soon."
Richard Sheppared. ( Herts )
Thanks very much for the recent survival course. I enjoyed it very much,It was good to have the chance, not only to learn about, but to experience the problems envolved in a survival situation, with the chance to make mistakes, correct them under your guidance, and learn from them.
The good humour and friendly nature of all at the site helped make it really good fun.
I was really happy to finish the course off with a couple of trout for breakfast.
Dave Hines. (Lymm, Cheshire)
