The Story behind Botswicky

Our time at Botswicky Copse began, in many ways, with a contrast.

For many years, our lives were shaped by work, intensity and full schedules, like it is for many people. Alongside that, there was time spent living in Norway, where being outdoors wasn’t something separate from everyday life - It was simply part of it.

We spent long days outdoors: walking, gathering wood, cooking foraged food, sitting by the fire, or simply being in the landscape without needing to fill the time. There was a steadiness to it - A slower pace that felt both simple and quietly restorative.

That way of living stayed with us…

Bringing that feeling to the UK

When we returned to the UK, we wanted to create a space that held something of that same feeling.

Not something busy or overdeveloped, but somewhere quieter and with space. A place where people could arrive and, without much effort, begin to slow down again.

We then discovered Botswicky Copse, a secluded, organic wildflower and hay meadow edged by woodland, where the pace of things naturally softens and the landscape is allowed to lead.

Owned and carefully stewarded by Helen Browning, the land is managed with a deep respect for nature, biodiversity and organic principles. There is a shared ethos here—Helen and Vidar both hold a strong belief in working with the land rather than against it, allowing natural systems to thrive while keeping human impact light and considered.

That alignment made Botswicky feel like the right place from the beginning—somewhere the values behind what we were creating could sit naturally within the landscape itself.

Over time, we’ve shaped it carefully. Keeping it small. Letting it evolve slowly. Paying attention to how it feels, not just how it looks.

What we do

Today, we offer a small number of handcrafted yurts for stays, alongside a handful of carefully held retreats.

Vidar is the founder of Nordic Glamping and has spent many years working closely with the land and with people in outdoor settings. His approach is quiet and attentive—often found gathering wood, tending the fire, or simply holding the space in a steady, unobtrusive way.

Emma brings a thoughtful and considered presence to Botswicky, shaping both the guest experience and the overall feel of the space. With a background in business and a deep appreciation for slower, more intentional ways of living, she helps create an environment where people can properly switch off, feel at ease, and reconnect with what matters.

Together, we hold Botswicky as a place where rest comes naturally, and where time outdoors can gently restore a sense of balance.

Why Yurts?

The yurts are central to that experience.

Used for centuries as simple, resilient dwellings, they are designed to sit lightly within a landscape. Their circular form creates a sense of balance and calm, while the natural materials soften light, sound and space.

We build and care for our yurts with longevity in mind—repairing, maintaining and using natural materials wherever possible, so they can be enjoyed for many years without unnecessary waste.

A different way to stay

Everything here is intentionally simple.

A handful of yurts, spaced well apart. No crowds, bright lighting or unnecessary clutter —just a quieter, darker, more natural setting where the rhythm of the day gently gives way to night.

Some people come to stay for a few nights—to walk, rest, read and spend time outdoors with friends and family. Others come for retreats, when a little more space and gentle guidance is needed.

But the intention is always the same.

To offer a place where life feels less hurried.
Where attention softens and gives in to relaxation and peace.
After even a short time, something begins to shift—leaving you more rested, clearer, and better able to move forward with ease.