All about our BCAP training course

A friendly learning environment with expert instructors

Check out some FAQs about our BCAP

Canopy Access offers a Lantra-recognised Basic Canopy Access Proficiency or BCAP. The BCAP teaches you how to access trees and the high forest canopy safely via the use of twin static climbing ropes and an ultra-safe rigging methodology.

We’ve delivered two great courses this year already and our next is coming up soon, see here for more details. Our course attendees come from a wide range of backgrounds, interests and disciplines. Many are involved with film, scientific or exploration projects around the world and often require our training to help them climb efficiently and stay safe whilst photographing wildlife, conducting biodiversity surveys or simply having fun at height in the jungle!

We’re sure you’ll have some questions so here are a few FAQs for starters - please feel free to contact us if there’s something specific you’d like to know more about.

• What is the BCAP?

  The BCAP, or Basic Canopy Access Proficiency, is a LANTRA-approved course which teaches you how to access trees and the high forest canopy safely via the use of twin static climbing ropes and an ultra-safe rigging methodology.

  Occupying the gap between conventional arborist and industrial rope training, the BCAP incorporates a unique mixture of standard and bespoke rigging solutions. Much of the syllabus is unique to this course, derived from extensive experience of rigging in remote rainforest locations for wildlife television and scientific expeditions. Our training courses were developed from personal experiences of working closely with biologists and film companies during extensive expeditions to Central America and south-east Asia.

  Emphasis is on maximising safety, clean rigging, efficient movement through the tree, rigging for rescue and comfortable work positioning at height. All techniques comply with stringent UK HSE regulations.

• How do I book a place?

  Simple - email us to save your place. We will then email you all relevant joining instructions, including location, course schedule and payment details. Places are secured via payment in full. Cancellation by you within 4 weeks of the start of the course dates will attract a 20% non-refundable fee.

• Is BCAP a recognised qualification?

  Yes, the BCAP is now a LANTRA-approved course. Delivering the spirit of adventure and exploration, CANOPY ACCESS continues to feature at the forefront of global canopy training for scientists, TV and film crew around the world. See LANTRA's website for more info on the BCAP syllabus.

• Will this course help my career?

  With all techniques compliant with stringent UK HSE regulations, this is a detailed course ideal for those working around the world including:

  • Ecologists (i.e. bat and insect surveys)

  • Conservationists (i.e. bird ringing)

  • Scientific researchers (i.e. biodiversity sampling)

  • Natural history filmmakers & wildlife photographers

  • Recreational climbers

  • Arborists wishing to learn SRT techniques

  • Industrial climbers wishing to learn about trees

BCAP course in March 2024

• What will I get out of the course?

  In a nutshell, loads!

  Our renowned Basic Canopy Access Proficiency training - now offered as a LANTRA-approved course - teaches you how to safely select and climb suitable trees in order to access the high forest canopy via the use of ultra-safe rope techniques.

  On passing the assessment you will receive a recognised LANTRA qualification.

  You will have completed 5 days of intensive climbing and learning. Training sessions include basic climbing manoeuvres, aerial rope rescue, group emergency rescue scenarios and knot-craft.

  You will also learn about Visual Tree Assessment and how to choose the right tree to climb in the first place.

• How much does the 5-day course cost?

  The BCAP 5-day training course costs £795 + VAT and please check our website for upcoming dates and contact us to book or make an enquiry. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

• Do I need lots of climbing experience?

  No previous climbing experience or ropes skill are required although they are very helpful.

  What you WILL need is a moderate level of fitness, an adventurous spirit and to be ready for whatever the weather may throw at us.

  The course takes place in some stunning locations and each day you learn a bunch of new techniques and skills to add to your growing repertoire.

  You’ll learn how to get the ropes up into the trees, what trees to use, and how to move up and down the ropes.

  Towards the end of the week you’ll be zipping up and down the ropes as you perfect different manoeuvres, including moving between trees at height and carrying out rescue drills.

The BCAP involves rope manoeuvres such as rescue drill.

• Are these activities accessible?

  We welcome everyone. However, it is important to state that the complex and demanding nature of the activity contains aspects that are physically and mentally challenging and so may be unsuitable for some. If you have any concerns, please contact us and we would be delighted to discuss your requirements.

• How important is safety?

  Canopy Access has an exemplary safety record and safety is paramount in all that we do . All of our instructors hold industry recognised awards as well as up-to-date Outdoor First Aid qualifications. Canopy Access has extensive Public Liability Insurance with an esteemed insurer and a copy of the Insurance Certificate can be provided on request.

  The activities are fully risk assessed, however please note that the activities are of a physically testing nature, and there is a risk of injury from hazards such as tree branches, the environment you are in and the challenging nature of the activity, as well as the inherent risks associated with being at height. All our safety equipment is thoroughly and regularly inspected, is CE marked and fully compliant with all Health & Safety legislation.

• Are there any booking restrictions?

  You must be medically fit enough to carry out this activity and please ensure that our Instructors are made aware of any important relevant medical conditions. If you have any fitness or medical concerns please contact us prior to booking. The size of our specialist harnesses dictates the size of customer that we can safely allow to participate on any of our activities. Please note that the safety equipment must be able to be correctly and safely fitted to the participant.

  The Canopy Access team are always here to help, support and encourage you if have difficulty with the activities. Tree climbing mainly relies upon your legs to help you ascend. We have taken people of all ages and abilities up into the trees. A good height weight ratio is more crucial than strength.

• I think i might be pregnant, should i climb?

  We recommend that pregnant women do not take part since the position and the strenuous movements involved in a well-fitted climbing harness have associated risks. Our adventures are robust physical activities which involve a degree of risk. However, ultimately the choice is yours. We are not medical experts and therefore suggest you seek advice from your doctor on the matter.

• What happens in bad weather?

  We are outdoor people and we will climb and learn in a wide variety of weathers. As long as it is safe to do so we will continue the course. Canopy Access will endeavour to ensure that all bookings run at the scheduled date and time. All activities are held at our discretion for your safety and so if there are severe weather conditions that may affect safety and wellbeing, the session may be delayed, postponed or cancelled. We will use reasonable measures to notify you as soon as possible as soon as possible.

  If there are severe weather conditions such as extreme winds, storms, lightning, or torrential rain that may affect your safety and wellbeing, the session will be postponed.

• Is it ok for the trees?

  At Canopy Access we have a lot of love for the trees we climb. We champion minimizing our impact to the tree we are climbing. Our ropes are rigged with slings so you are climbing up and down the ropes, with no ropes rubbing on any branches. We also respect wildlife who may call the tree home so some trees may be out of bounds during nesting season.

• What will I need to bring?

  Bring clothing suitable for whatever the weather is likely to be during your course. For footwear, boots like walking boots are best, and bear in mind that if it is hot and sunny, you should bring sunscreen and plenty of water and snacks. Lunch is not provided, however there is often a great cafe on site that we can recommend.

• How long does the qualification last for?

  As per industry qualifications, we recommended you update your training every three years. The qualification will last for 3 years from the date you passed your assessment and you will be required to attend a future assessment for re-evaluation to ensure the relevance of your certificate.

Also check out our previous posts World class training on the brilliant BCAP and BCAP Awarded LANRA approval.