Forager lives full time VanLife and only works 2 days a week!! | Interview and TOUR
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Hire a Camper Van with GoBoony - Or better yet, earn extra income by renting out your Camper: clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=3...
(We may earn affiliate commission on links above)
------
In this video, we speak to Matty, aka 'The Woodland Nomad'. Matty lives full time in his van... a van that is a dream for any nature lover, looking for a cosy, rustic, reclaimed wooden cabin feel, fitted with a little log burner to keep him warm on those cold nights.
Matty has done such an amazing job of kitting out this van, with impressive little details that bring the outside, inside.
So stick around for the full tour... you don't want to miss it!!!
Matty talks about why he chose the Van Life, and how it is the perfect lifestyle to fuel his hobbies of the outdoors, as well allow him to pursue his passion of foraging for wild food and herbs, not only does he have drying racks in his van to dry out his herbs... he has an apothecary under the bed! That we can only imagine will get bigger!
His love for foraging has found him a great following on social media, where he shares tips and tricks from the knowledge and experience he has gained from collecting mushrooms to finding herbs that can heal. So make sure to check him out in the links below.
Matty talks about the costs of living the way he does, and how it enables him to only work 2 days a week as a graphic designer, his van is kitted out to the max, with an impressive solar system that provides him with more than enough electricity to use all year round!
Thanks to Matty aka 'The Woodland Nomad' for chatting with us and giving us a tour of his home on wheels.
Don't forget to check out the links below to follow Matty's vanlife journey.
instagram: / the.woodland.nomad
youtube: youtube.com/@TheWoodlandNomad...
tiktok:
/ thewoodlandnomad
Want to support us in creating these videos? Click the link below :)
www.buymeacoffee.com/liveration
Camera Gear:
Sony A6400: amzn.to/463rIC9
Canon M50ii: amzn.to/3CyNmAE
GoPro Hero 8: amzn.to/3N2zByY
Drone - DJI Mini 2: amzn.to/3CxIYSM
Mics- Comica Boom X-D2: amzn.to/3CxJhgo
Mic 2 - Rode VideoMic Go: amzn.to/42KZpp8
Disclaimer - We may earn affiliate commission on links above
Video Editor - videosurgeons@outlook.com
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @liveration
Пікірлер: 274
My lovely Nephew! Proud Auntie here
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Hey V 😁 ♥
@Veeliscious
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomadHey Matty - Where's your TikTok account gone - I couldn't find it the other day?
@suzie_lovescats
2 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomadI subscribe because I love your cabin on wheels 🤩
@TheWoodlandNomad
2 ай бұрын
@@suzie_lovescats thank you so much 😁 🙏
His story is a lot like mine. Almost 4 years full time and solo, I still work and when Covid happened a lot of us (brokers) started working from home. I’m An insurance broker. My kids were both married and had children of their own and I sold my house. After 26 years of living there, a completely different lifestyle happened to me. It helps me control my stress being in nature is like a natural remedy. I do feel very happy. No regrets. I am now 65. Good video!
What a loveable guy. He's living life on his terms and that's admirable!
What a charming young man! He sounds so happy and free, fair play to him doing what he wants. I couldn't do it personally but love hearing how other people are achieving their dreams, good for him!
@TheWoodlandNomad
6 күн бұрын
Thank you 🙏 I hope you're working towards your dreams too ☺
@jonathanbarron8311
6 күн бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad Already doing so, in my dream Job :)
@TheWoodlandNomad
5 күн бұрын
@@jonathanbarron8311 glad to hear it mate, happy living! 😁
I'm 63 , I've lived in house's then narrow boat's then a motorhome and then vans which I wouldn't change for anything,is all you need is the money for a van and Bob's your Aunty 😊
After a relationship breakdown due to my ex having extra curricular activities I have been forced into full time van life to be able stay close to my two young daughters! Van life is something I have wanted to do for years and this has been my perfect opportunity! Working full time as a HGV driver throughout the week and then making the most of the van at weekends! I started with a empty long wheel base Sprinter and fitted it out myself,never done this before and like myself the build is a bit rough and ready but it’s all good for me! The cost of living now is just getting beyond reasonable and living this lifestyle cost peanuts! I have spent years living in wagons so van life is a very easy transition! If anyone reading this can make van life work for them but isn’t sure or is worried to take the leap! All I can say is just go and do it!
@roe432
8 ай бұрын
thanks for sharing,
Total respect, I live in my car 24/7 and help people around the country at no cost, I live my life, foraging, giving and living free by showing people life can be good on a minimal budget xx
@qy-exotic7717
9 ай бұрын
hi tim
@Travelling-Tim
9 ай бұрын
@@qy-exotic7717 Hi Exotic, peace and love, hope your well ✌️
@lakey526
9 ай бұрын
I know mate, I'm the same. Good on ya. I think I'm leaving in spring next year. Good luck on your journey .
@TheJZBaller
9 ай бұрын
what do you do for a living if i may ask? living in my caravan atm and staying in the same place but looking for something to be on the road aswell
@qy-exotic7717
9 ай бұрын
probably youtube@@TheJZBaller
Feel like Matty expressed a lot of my own feelings about being out in a van and just in nature. The freedom it gives you and the joy you can hear in his voice. Really inspiring!
This chap is really inspiring and interesting - he has some wise words! What a beautiful van too - I love it!
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, very kind of you to say 🥰
I did it for 25 years, with very few problems. If someone hassles you, just wake up 300 miles down the road the next day; as you point out, this is a great freedom. GOOD LUCK, mate.
Damn probably the best setup I've seen in campervan
@TheWoodlandNomad
2 ай бұрын
Wow! Thank you so much, I'm flattered!
Wow - talk about seeing positives both in life and people! Refreshingly beautiful to hear someone so young speak such wise words.
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you Andy, I really appreciate your kind words ☺ 🍄
I'd love to live this life I'm stuck in a house and at 51 Im starting to think this is getting harder for me to get into but I've wanted to do it for many years now
@mraidymaddful
10 ай бұрын
Dave mate, you have to look at it from the point of view that if you don't do it now, you probably never will. If you have a car, sell it and buy a van about the same size as this lads. Then use it as a camper from day one. I've pitched tents in the back of empty vans before now, lol.........
@millennialfalkon
10 ай бұрын
Dave, your thoughts can liberate or imprison you. You decide.
@petermackenzie2038
10 ай бұрын
Don't think about it just do it if you just do it don't make excuses just do it . I was thinking about it and I just keeping putting it off making excuses I finally said to hell with it and did it im so glad it's done im so happy it's here I bought a 2002 ford E350 cut away n love it
@captaindave47
10 ай бұрын
I am 75 and have lived in a van for 15 years, it's a wonderful life. Go for it.
@jasonwinsley1229
10 ай бұрын
I always dreamed of a simple life like this. But I got married and remained happy in the bungalow I bought for 30plus years….I got my kicks riding mountain bikes and wild camping near on every weekend….but after all this time, the choice got made for me, my wife decided to leave, we just sold the bungalow…no kids, no hassle, I don’t want a mortgage, or pay rent, so I’ve just put a deposit down on a really nice dream camper, and although I’m keeping my job and staying ‘local’ while ive got family and friends close by, but I can take off and do what I want, where I want. I’m 53. It’s a overwhelming and frightening concept, but 3 months of mental prep and research has made me wish the next 4 weeks away. As a train of thought now…it’s literally a no brainier…..as frank turner the song writer sang, “would someone please explain to me, exactly what’s so great, about saving 50 years away on something that you hate” Do it…do your research, and do it.
This channel is the antidote to the increasing stress of life that we’re all sold, it won’t take much more for us to make the leap, thanks guy’s for the great content and keeping the wanderlust dreams alive👌
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thank you for the great comment and watching out videos 😊 glad you're enjoying them. Many more to come!
Such a lovely guy 😊 this is really refreshing to see people living this way 😊
100% agree with the having too much possessions can feel like they own you - I love getting rid of stuff and being more minimalistic - great video and the guy seems like a lovely guy you’d love to just sit and have a conversation in the pub with
Good on you enjoy life
Second video I’ve watched on this page! What a great guy! Big respect brother you are doing what plenty of us want to do! Stay safe
@TheWoodlandNomad
6 күн бұрын
Thank you so much. I know I intend on living this way for as long as I can. Until maybe one day I can afford a small plot of land to grow some veg 😁
respect matty
Excellent! Glad you’re loving Van life man - I know so many unhappy people who work so hard, pay massive mortgages and the bastard interest rates, and don’t have the time or energy to enjoy them. Thankfully Covid has helped a lot reassess their work/life balance. Awesome hearing your story!
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Brian! I hope more and more people look at the way the world is run and try to make small changes in their lives that bring a bit more time to do the things they love. All we have is time, it's our most valuable possession, it's why we're paid for it after all.
Not sure if you have one already but as a heating engineer with over 30 years experience having a solid fuel stove fitted in such a small space is worrying so I would highly recommend you fit a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm in your van asap. All the best to you on your journey through life. You’re an inspiration
@TheWoodlandNomad
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for your concern. I have both a smoke alarm and Co2 alarm in the van and check them regularly. Gotta stay safe 🙏
@howaboutthese
2 ай бұрын
The first solid fuel stove I installed was in my old Dutch barge, I have it raised off the floor with space underneath it , at a pleasant height to sit right in front of. The one downside of installing a stove raised up is that the volume of space below the fire level doesn't really heat up. Heat doesn't travel down.. It can be like a sauna higher up in the space though.
@keltait
19 күн бұрын
not related to the van, but i left the uk 20yrs ago age 21 and have lived in a bunch of different countries. Ive recently started to really miss Brits (i grew up just south of the scottish border). i miss swearwords being part of 'just talking', i miss the pubs, i miss marks n sparks n boots, i miss greggs corned beef pasties.... but yet i could never see myself moving back. but its time for a visit soon!
proper nice van, love the whole interior, especially that little wood stove
Lovely guy and great van. I had a camo T4 which I loved. Now have a motorhome after various vans and caravans over many years. Started van life in the 80s and now planning to full time early next year
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Incredible 😍 so many adventures, I bet you have some good stories and memories under yer belt 😁
@davidhall8745
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad yes Matty and the 9 to 5 is coming to an end early next year and we are going full time! Mind I part time at least 3 days a week anyway. Had to get a motorhome so we are more comfortable. Hope to see you on the road Dave
Great guy. Good energy.
Great video, Matty is such a beautiful soul it is a privilege and honour to call him one of our closest van life friends. Love, peace and good energy ❤️🙏🏻
What an awesome and inspirational character! Really enjoyed this one!
@TheWoodlandNomad
6 күн бұрын
Thank you, that's very kind of you to say 😊
OMG.... At last someone else really has to struggle with finding a down side to being in a van...As for the toilet, well bag & bottle it and it was great to hear not one word about getting water...Iv never got stressed about anything but Van life is and has to be the most stress free life ever, some worry about money but get ur self set up and debt free before getting a van and then you will soon realise that money is just a tool and you dont need nowhere near as much as you thought, actually they only thing I worry about is running out of milk for my tea...
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Haha it's truly a fantastic lifestyle. I find there's a lot more reward too, like finding water etc, little dopamine hits everyday.
@thenoworriesnomad
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad Yes mate it is a fantastic life style,
@thenoworriesnomad
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad where in the country are you roughly based, maybe a possible meet up?
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
@@thenoworriesnomad I'm down near Cornwall at the moment but about to make moves back north for autumn and winter 😁 are you in the England?
@thenoworriesnomad
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad Yes mate, I’m in North Oxfordshire
Well done you mate. Like the way you think about life.. Life isn't about Bricks & mortar.
We think alike. The reason why I chose vanlife because I don’t like the idea of paying rent especially Im not even there mostly because I work 7 days a week. I rather put my rent money to something I will own and that is why I chose vanlife. In the end, Im so glad I chose this life, vanlife is a blessing in disguise for me.
The correct work / life balance 😀
this is oddly close to what I envisage my van to be, thanks for sharing mate. I'm on my way to living the good life, thanks for the inspo
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Good luck on your journey mate 🙏 ☺
O.K This van has a wood stove, loving it!... Wonderful guy great attitude, freedom. 💗
Arrrrr, don't feel any pressure. Enjoy it, take your time. It's an enjoyable watch however long it takes you. ❤️💛💚 Jah bless
love the pace and style of your videos - great job.
Hi Matty, just recently watched this video and thought I'd give a quick mention about the van you've got! I had a Nissan Interstar,6 gear, 08 plate work van for about 7 years and it never missed a beat. I used to travel all over the North East of England and beyond. And that was with huge loads of building materials while driving the tits out of it 😂. I always keep an eye out for them while I'm driving and have noticed that a lot of taxis are using them now! So they must be great work horses. The only issue I had was that the belt snapped a few times but I think this was down to there being no plastic engine guard underneath the engine bay. Yeah so on a personal level I think they're great vans 👍 Hopefully yours will last the 5 years you mentioned. Happy foraging and happy van life
@TheWoodlandNomad
6 күн бұрын
Amazing, sounds like a hell of a van! I wish mine had so few issues 😅 Had an injector go and removing it was troublesome but when it went back in it just kept turning, threaded up the cylinder head. Something to do with the two metal types eroding one another so it's a common issue. That and my gearbox is a bit ropey. Hopefully I can get the box sorted one day and this old beast keeps chugging along 😁 thanks for watching!
It’s a very sensible way to go… happy travels 😊
So worthwhile , this video! thank you
Great van and a really positive outlook.
Nice to see you Matt. What a great advocate for ‘van life’.
Very cozy arrangement. I started collecting herbs and making tinctures .
What an amazing guy..and van!!!you are definitely living my dream😊
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Aww thank you Caroline, you're too kind 😊
What a gent. Loved this.
Good on you! I live on a yacht and have the same basic joy and life philosophy
Good to see you Matty , hope you are doing well :)
Love your van. Thanks for sharing
Greta attitude, love the van and the lifestyle
Really enjoy watching the content that you put on the channel. A great antidote for the day to day stress of "normal " life.
What a great. young man, such a fantastic attitude to life. Thank you very much enjoyed this. 😊
These vlogs just keep getting better and better 👍
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thanks Mark! Plenty more coming out... 😊
Loved this :)
Another great video🙌🏻 So nice to hear other people's stories. 🙂
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thank you 😁
Op van. Top bloke. Loads of great ideas. Thanks for sharing
One cool dude... thank you sir)
Very nice. Love the entire thing.
So so inspiring!!!!!!!
Nice one lad I'm currently having to transform a work van for living on a permanent project. I will be utilising some of your suggestions for sure thanks for the video
I love this guy
Awesome ❤☺️🌞
Too amazing this to watch
Very cool van, I love the style and reclaimed wood, you gave me inspiration my friend. Good luck!
@TheWoodlandNomad
6 күн бұрын
Aw I'm delighted, nothing like the character of reclaimed wood, gets you thinking so creatively. Plus it's nice to ponder on the history of it 😊
Such an interesting guy. Amazing van
What a beautiful soul - love the van
@TheWoodlandNomad
5 ай бұрын
Thank you 🥰
Loving this channel❤
Awesome stuff buddy 👊😃
Such a magician
Big inspiration
Brilliant just brilliant
Smashing interior
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Absolutely 💯
Excellent 🎉❤
Nature will always win 👍
Great vlog bud 💪👍
Thanks guys great video, what a nice guy, he has found his way and happy. It suits him but doesn't consume him so that he has resentment towards other people's so called normal lifestyles👍👍👍
@TheWoodlandNomad
5 ай бұрын
No resentment here, this lifestyle isn't for everyone, some people would hate it but I know that it suits me perfectly. Happy new year 🙏
I really like this guy
1 month in me and my little dog in a ldv convey camper van used to live in a brit canel boat so far so good thinking about the winter tho happy days
What a beautiful celtic accent. Defo Irish. North, like myself. Long may it be your happiness x
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you 😝 I was born in Glasgow but raised in South West Scotland 🏴 😁
I'm watching/listening to this whilst washing chanterelles I picked today. He's right, I've got a big house a well paid job and all I want to do is live out of my van and od job about.
Seemed a really good guy and a top video guys! I’ve sold my property and need to look into a van that will be best for me moving forward. My parkups would be a mix of rural and urban so it’s things I need to think properly about. Thanks guys ….. Smithy
Very good attitude to life.
It's 100% your choice the Way You Live doesn't matter what anybody else thinks you do whatever makes you happy.
Lovely work and video 😊
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thank you very much!
Very inspiring, Great 👍 video subscribed cheers
@liveration
9 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the sub 😎 many more videos coming out soon!
Nice work
SUPERB channel.
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thank you very much! We're glad you're enjoying the videos 😊
Hello brother just passed your van outside Middleton in teesdale, I'm working at newbiggen in teesdale , good to see you up this way 😊 If your there tomorrow Al say hello
Great video Matty. I live in my van full time but I call it my Living van as a Camper van always sounds like ones going Camping. Interesting when you tell strangers you live in a van, the tone quite often changes almost like your something dirty or one of life's takers. And I know we are none of these. And as for the horn tooting, its just them telling us they are sad Bast.. d's. Hope to catch you on the road somewhere. My vans a Sprinter called Kit-Kat. Take care and enjoy life.
Cool video and cool guy. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thanks Stephen, glad you enjoyed it 😊
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you ☺ Liveration did a great job as always 🙏
As allways a great film
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Thanks Rob 😊 glad you enjoyed it
That is freedom being stuck in a house maintening it is like holding us back instead of enjoying outdoors and live simple one day i hope that i can do the same...
Brilliant
Great video great attitude,if there were more around like this guy it would be a nicer place.I find it funny that if you say I am going around the country for a year and staying in the van other people think it's a great idea,but say you intend living in it full time they laugh at you.We have recently sold house to be back close to family but in the most expensive city in Australia so we straight away bought our van and love being in it but at moment keeping my wife's dad company as he is old and lonely but we know that our only home is on 4 wheels and that is OK with us.Less is more I am starting to realise in life.
God bless you man...ime gonna do the same thing.
Beautiful. I wish I'd taken my drivers licence now.
People bibbing horns, is also a show of respect to you and the van , ive looked round and seen the driver with the thumb up.
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Aye there's a definite difference between the friendly ones and unfriendly ones. The bibbibibips are nice and friendly, but the horn held down as they drive past at 5am...not so much 🙃
@rob20452
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad ok fair enough I missed you saying that.
We used to roam and forage and live nomadically. Now we can do it in style and comfort. We did it with our 3 little kids and 2 dogs in a home made campervan for 2 years. Best years of my life. Wish hubby would do it again :(
What a brilliant guy! Loving these videos!
@liveration
10 ай бұрын
Isn't he! And thank you 😊 glad you're liking them!
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much 😍 they're doing a stella job of these videos for sure. Big shout out to Liveration, lovely guys.
@CFreeJ
10 ай бұрын
My dream is to live in a log cabin off grid, watching these videos keeps that dream alive!
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
@@CFreeJ if you want it hard enough one day it'll be yours 😁
@CFreeJ
10 ай бұрын
100% 🙂
Yaaaaayyyy you caught up with Matty. I've followed him for a few years and we've messaged because I'm interested in his witchcraft 😂, never mind apocryphay Matthew . Seriously though guys, yet another brilliant video. Really enjoyed the content as per. I do regret not doing a self build myself but time wasn't on my side.. They are the ultimate in personal choice and putting your stamp on it. Looking forward to your next one. How do you manage to keep raising the bar 😂.💚
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Can't beat a good apothecary 🧙♂️ 😉
@manconthemove
10 ай бұрын
@@TheWoodlandNomad Knew I'd spelt it wrong 🫤🤣
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
@@manconthemove hahaha you had a stab at it, counts all the same 😁
Just started my van life since May. All I got is my double mattress on floor. But quickly realising it's going to take quite a long time to get it kitted out. I work full time on monthly pay. So doing bits each month. Now it's getting colder at night I'm having issues with condensation. So my next step is to install a roof vent, insulation, and vapour barrier. So far I'm quite happy. But I got a ways to go before it's a home on wheels 😅
I'm 40 and last few years watching van life and more and more want to try full time van life
Nice rig mate.
@TheWoodlandNomad
10 ай бұрын
Thank you Robert 😁
Such a cool person oh my lord!
@TheWoodlandNomad
2 ай бұрын
Thanks mate! 😊