6-Minute Shelters for Woodland Leaders
A complete system for faster, easier group tarps - built by a Forest School Leader for Forest School Leaders
The struggle we all know...
If you’ve ever spent half your session wrestling with ropes or fighting a sagging tarp in the rain, you’re not alone.
Most Forest School Leaders have only had a day or two of knots training — a blur of bowlines and clove hitches that vanished by the next week.
Tarp struggles eat into your time and add to your stress levels, taking away time and energy from you and your group.
It doesn’t need to be that way.
Most Forest School Leaders have only had a day or two of knots training — a blur of bowlines and clove hitches that vanished by the next week.
Tarp struggles eat into your time and add to your stress levels, taking away time and energy from you and your group.
It doesn’t need to be that way.
I wasn't a 'knots person' either
When I first started leading Forest School sessions, I was completely overwhelmed by tarps and knots.
Every setup felt like a new puzzle — ropes tangling, tarps sagging, the weather always finding a way to test me.
I knew these shelters were essential, but every time I put one up, I lost time, focus, and confidence. What frustrated me most was how something so simple in theory could feel so unnecessarily complicated in practice. Most of us only ever get a day or two of training in knots, and then we’re left to figure it out alone. I did what most leaders do — muddled through, kept experimenting, and learned the hard way what worked and what didn’t.
Through years of wild camping and running sessions in every weather imaginable, I started spotting patterns — certain knots that worked better, ways to store and deploy ropes faster, and small changes that made setups smoother. Bit by bit, a system began to emerge — one that anyone could follow, not just the “knot people.”
Over the last decade, I’ve refined that system again and again. Now, what used to take me half an hour (and a lot of muttering under my breath) takes under six minutes — and it stays solid all day. The Tarps & Knots Masterclass brings that journey together — a complete, field-tested approach designed to save you the years of trial and error it took me to get here.
I knew these shelters were essential, but every time I put one up, I lost time, focus, and confidence. What frustrated me most was how something so simple in theory could feel so unnecessarily complicated in practice. Most of us only ever get a day or two of training in knots, and then we’re left to figure it out alone. I did what most leaders do — muddled through, kept experimenting, and learned the hard way what worked and what didn’t.
Through years of wild camping and running sessions in every weather imaginable, I started spotting patterns — certain knots that worked better, ways to store and deploy ropes faster, and small changes that made setups smoother. Bit by bit, a system began to emerge — one that anyone could follow, not just the “knot people.”
Over the last decade, I’ve refined that system again and again. Now, what used to take me half an hour (and a lot of muttering under my breath) takes under six minutes — and it stays solid all day. The Tarps & Knots Masterclass brings that journey together — a complete, field-tested approach designed to save you the years of trial and error it took me to get here.
Here’s what’s inside the Tarps & Knots Masterclass
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Choosing the right kit —understanding the different types of ropes, tarps & pegs that give best value and reliability for your setting.
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The complete 6-Minute Tarp System — how to prepare, pitch, and pack down with ease.
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Essential Knots — the key set you’ll actually use for shelters.
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Utility Knots — joining ropes, lashing tripods, and building your full knot toolkit.
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Teaching Knots Module — how to help others “get it,” plus a full knots-activity list.
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Troubleshooting Wind, Water & Tall Trees — practical fixes for real-world sites.
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Printable Knot Sheets — quick-reference guides for the woods.
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Access to the Thinkific Tarps Community — ask questions, share setups, get feedback.
FREE BONUS
Personal 1:1 Video Site Consultation
Get direct support from me — we’ll look at your site together, troubleshoot your setup, and make sure your shelter system works perfectly for your space and conditions. Normally £60, this session is included free when you join today.
What people say
““Bracken has an easy, effective and clear way of teaching knots & tarps. We like the fact that he does an overview and then repeats the instructions from different viewpoints. The course is structured beautifully and both teaching and lessons are paced perfectly.
Bracken gives excellent introductions, making it clear why you are learning a particular thing, how it can be applied or is useful, and finishes with more advanced information to improve the application of the skill.
We highly recommend this course — it’s a brilliant way of learning all the essentials that you need.””
Sarah and Co.
“Thanks for your course, I have started watching the videos and it is really great !! No false advertisement, I have actually managed to put up a tarp in less than 6mn. I've already learned a lot, and much more than just knots.”
Émilise
FAQs
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Do I have to do it all at once?
Not at all. The course is entirely self-paced, so you can dip in and out whenever it suits you. Most people watch a few short videos, try things out between sessions, then come back when they’re ready for more.
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Can I re-watch the videos later?
Yes — once you’re enrolled, you have full access to all course content for the long term. You can pause, rewind, and rewatch as many times as you like.
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What if I’m terrible at knots?
Then this course is perfect for you. It’s designed for everyone from total beginners to seasoned leaders, with simple explanations, visual demos, and clear practice steps that make the knots finally click.
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Does it take a long time to complete?
No — each video is short, focused, and practical. You can easily fit it around your day and start seeing results after the very first session.
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Can I get help if I get stuck?
Yes — you’ll have access to the private Thinkific community where you can ask questions and share setups, plus a free personal 1:1 site consultation and email access to me if you need it.
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How does this compare to an in-person CPD day?
The course covers the same content I teach face-to-face — and more. You can pause, rewatch, and practise at your own pace, plus you’ll have lifetime access to every video and resource. It’s the best bits of a hands-on workshop, without the travel or time pressure.
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Is it easy to access?
Yes. Everything’s hosted on Thinkific — simple to log into from your phone, tablet, or computer. You can even use the Thinkific app to learn offline or on the go.
Ready to make tarps and knots simple again?
You don’t need another list of knots or a complicated tarp diagram — you need a clear, reliable system that works every time.
The Tarps & Knots Masterclass gives you exactly that.
It’s built for real woodland leaders who want to spend less time faffing with ropes and more time doing what matters — connecting, teaching, and enjoying the outdoors.
Join today for £80 early-access (usually £120) and get:
✅ Lifetime access to all videos and resources
✅ Free 1:1 site consultation (normall £60)
✅ Full community support
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
The Tarps & Knots Masterclass gives you exactly that.
It’s built for real woodland leaders who want to spend less time faffing with ropes and more time doing what matters — connecting, teaching, and enjoying the outdoors.
Join today for £80 early-access (usually £120) and get:
✅ Lifetime access to all videos and resources
✅ Free 1:1 site consultation (normall £60)
✅ Full community support
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
Not quite ready yet?
Start with the Free Tarps Mini Course and learn how to choose the right tarp, ropes, and stakes for your needs — a simple first step to getting your setup right.
Meet your instructor
Bracken Van Ryssen
Bracken Van Ryssen
[email protected]
Bracken is an experienced outdoor educator and Forest School leader with over a decade of experience working with children, families, and professionals in woodland settings. He holds a BA (Hons) in Education and qualified as a Forest School Leader in 2016.
Since founding Bracken Outdoors in 2019, he has delivered training, CPD, and practical bushcraft skills workshops to hundreds of educators and woodland leaders across the UK. His teaching blends clear, structured instruction with hands-on experience, making complex skills accessible and memorable for learners at all levels.
Bracken specialises in helping outdoor practitioners develop practical confidence — from knots and tarp systems to fire lighting, tool use, and group facilitation.
Since founding Bracken Outdoors in 2019, he has delivered training, CPD, and practical bushcraft skills workshops to hundreds of educators and woodland leaders across the UK. His teaching blends clear, structured instruction with hands-on experience, making complex skills accessible and memorable for learners at all levels.
Bracken specialises in helping outdoor practitioners develop practical confidence — from knots and tarp systems to fire lighting, tool use, and group facilitation.