Wilderness Wood
My Roots: A Personal Homage
Rural Workshop owes its origins to Dan and Emily at Wilderness Wood, who took me in as part of their Home Team for nearly two years. During that time, I was immersed in a truly unique environment where sustainability, craftsmanship, and community thrived. From day one, I was surrounded by talented makers, builders, and thinkers who taught me invaluable skills and showed me the power of collaboration.
At Wilderness Wood, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a wide variety of projects. I helped build everything from simple timber structures to larger more intricate spaces, learning the ropes of forestry, green woodworking, and off-grid living along the way. The hands-on experience I gained working with these materials was second to none. I was taught to approach each project with patience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The work was never just about building; it was about connecting with the environment, respecting the materials we worked with, and creating something that would stand the test of time.
Dan and Emily not only taught me practical skills but also gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to create with purpose. They fostered an atmosphere of experimentation and innovation, where ideas flowed freely, and every mistake was a chance to learn. It was under their guidance that I began to realize my own potential as a designer-maker and started to develop the philosophy that now guides Rural Workshop.
What I also learned from Dan and Emily was the importance of community. The Home Team was more than just a group of people working together on projects—it was a close-knit family, where each person’s strengths were recognized and valued. The sense of belonging and mutual support I experienced there was unlike anything I had known before, and it shaped my approach to both my professional work and my personal values.
Wilderness Wood was the perfect place for me to learn, grow, and find my place in the world. It not only equipped me with the practical skills to build but also inspired me to approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility to the materials, the environment, and the people I work with. The lessons learned during my time there continue to influence everything I do, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special place.
Wilderness Wood - 10 Years, 10 Buildings, 10,000 Volunteers - A Documentary Film by Jacob Dormon
Building Cabins in Wilderness Wood by Woodlands.co.uk TV