The Story behind Nordic Glamping at Botswicky

Nordic Glamping is a family business, founded by Vidar in 2018 but our connection to yurts goes back a bit further. In 2016 we were living in Southern Norway and exploring different ideas around temporary use of empty spaces and different structures that could be used in support of this. We loved the pop-up scene here in the UK and had successfully ran our own private dining club in the city of Kristiansand for a few years, popping up in various locations around the city and often hosting events from our own home and kitchen.

Vidar is a highly skilled carpenter and had always been fascinated by yurts so that summer we decided to take a research trip back to Emma’s native UK to stay in some yurts and to get a better idea of what glamping was all about.

In the autumn of that year we purchased a stunning oak tree, had it milled and Vidar began building our first yurt, Oak, which is still used at Botswicky to this day.

Over time, Vidar learnt how to make every single component of yurts, including the canvases and now he is very much a “one man band” building all of our yurts and structures himself.

Connecting with Botswicky

In 2017 we moved back to the UK and spent a few years building our lives here with our young daughter. In 2021 Vidar met Helen Browning and her partner, Tim when we moved to Oxfordshire. Over time a relationship developed built on trust, shared values and a mutual respect for land and nature. When the opportunity arose to take on the management of a campsite at Botswicky, it felt like a great opportunity to do something really special with our yurts.

Our intention was never to create something busy or overdeveloped. We wanted to offer something a bit different, with less focus on traditional pitches and boundaries. Somewhere with space and where glamping blends entirely with the nature surrounding each structure. Glamping with minimal impact visually and most importantly to the environment.

The land at Botswicky Copse is managed with deep respect for nature, biodiversity and Helen’s organic principles.

What we offer

Today, we offer a small number of handcrafted yurts for stays, alongside a handful of retreats and creative workshops on site.

Before founding Nordic Glamping Vidar spent many years working closely with people in the outdoors therapeutically. In addition to maintaining all the structures on site he also tends to the woodland at Botswicky, managing all of the wood supplies for guests. He is passionate about sustainability and helping others connect with themselves in nature.

Emma brings a thoughtful and considered presence to Botswicky, managing the whole guest experience, interiors and furnishings of the yurts and our workshops and retreats. With a background in the technology industry and teaching and a deep appreciation for detail and slower, more intentional ways of living, she helps create an environment where people can properly switch off, feel at ease, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Together, we respectfully manage 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 strong, resilient, Nomadic 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 respecting the wood and the trees they were created from, so they can be enjoyed for many years without unnecessary waste.

We don’t believe in throwing away old and replacing with new if things can be cared for. Our yurts allow us to do this knowing that in addition they provide a beautiful place for guests to enjoy year after year.