The Story behind Nordic Glamping - Botswicky

Our time at Botswicky Copse was an evolution and begun slowly.

For many years our lives were shaped by work, intensity and full schedules, as it is for many of us. Over time something builds inside…

We spent time living in Vidar’s native Norway, where being outdoors in nature 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 carried with us a sense of what time in nature can offer: space; simplicity; a slower way of being.

After a few years of continued hustle, Vidar met Helen Browning and her partner, Tim. Over time, a relationship developed, built on trust, shared values and a mutual respect for the land. When the opportunity arose to take on the management of Botswicky, it felt like a natural next step.

Our intention was never to create something busy or overdeveloped. We wanted to offer something quieter. Somewhere with space. A place where people could arrive, breathe out and begin to slow down without having to try too hard.

Owned and carefully stewarded by Helen Browning, the land is managed with deep respect for nature, biodiversity and organic principles. There is a shared ethos here — a 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 have 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 the technology industry 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 and in tune with the natural surroundings of Botswicky and the countryside around.

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.

The intention is always the same:

To offer a place where life feels less hurried.
Where attention and the body 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.