Forager lives full time VanLife and only works 2 days a week!! | Interview and TOUR

[@Veeliscious]

My lovely Nephew! Proud Auntie here

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Hey V 😁 ♥

[@Veeliscious]

@@TheWoodlandNomadHey Matty - Where's your TikTok account gone - I couldn't find it the other day?

[@suzie_lovescats]

@@TheWoodlandNomadI subscribe because I love your cabin on wheels 🤩

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

@@suzie_lovescats thank you so much 😁 🙏

[@T.C556]

And so you should be💕

[@deborahg4599]

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!

[@crafter63]

The world needs more people like Matty, and less people who want to control our lives !

[@saxonmckenzie9260]

What a loveable guy. He's living life on his terms and that's admirable!

[@Travelling-Tim]

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]

hi tim

[@Travelling-Tim]

@@qy-exotic7717 Hi Exotic, peace and love, hope your well ✌️

[@lakey526]

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]

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]

probably youtube@@TheJZBaller

[@Stefan-wr1vx]

Good on you enjoy life

[@daveyoung7924]

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]

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]

Dave, your thoughts can liberate or imprison you. You decide.

[@petermackenzie2038]

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]

I am 75 and have lived in a van for 15 years, it's a wonderful life. Go for it.

[@jasonwinsley1229]

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.

[@steveffuksake]

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 😊

[@charlesbromberick4247]

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.

[@jonathanbarron8311]

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]

Thank you 🙏 I hope you're working towards your dreams too ☺

[@jonathanbarron8311]

@@TheWoodlandNomad Already doing so, in my dream Job :)

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

@@jonathanbarron8311 glad to hear it mate, happy living! 😁

[@AdventuresWithMitsy]

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!

[@philiproberts6947]

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]

thanks for sharing,

[@lovelight1]

There is SO much to admire about this lovely guy. All my very best to you. XXX

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Aww thank you so much 😊

[@lovelight1]

@@TheWoodlandNomad Your VERY Welcome x

[@TheSleepFairy.]

This chap is really inspiring and interesting - he has some wise words! What a beautiful van too - I love it!

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thank you so much, very kind of you to say 🥰

[@mielesutter4159]

Very nice. Love the entire thing.

[@foreverirish132]

Such a lovely guy 😊 this is really refreshing to see people living this way 😊

[@Billyboy571]

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]

Thank you for the great comment and watching out videos 😊 glad you're enjoying them. Many more to come!

[@andyh126]

Wow - talk about seeing positives both in life and people! Refreshingly beautiful to hear someone so young speak such wise words.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thank you Andy, I really appreciate your kind words ☺ 🍄

[@WendyMoule]

My Yorkshire clan had a porridge drawer. Cooked porridge was stored in a drawer for the week. you just sliced a bit off to eat.

[@mactheknife74]

What an awesome and inspirational character! Really enjoyed this one!

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say 😊

[@sevans-tj2zk]

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

[@edwardjones2202]

Great guy. Good energy.

[@therealsirdj5934]

I want to build my own camper and just do a roadtrip through Europe for a while now and always thought: "You can't do that, you are shit at sawing wood, painting, mechanic stuff and you will electricute yourself for sure" But a dear friend of mine and I are just always doing stuff when we are at her place: I helped her painting a room at her family's place, we build some wooden toys for her kittens and she even taught me how to dance (which I never thought I'd learn). She offered her help as soon as I told her about my plans and the fact I am not sure if I wanted to do this, since I don't know about any of the things requiered to go through with it... It honestly kinda blows my mind what a great friend I found and how strong our bound has gotten in the time since we met just a bit more then a year ago... to kinda put it in her words "If the chemistry's right, why should you hold back" (not her words exactly, but for sure the same meaning)

[@rorychivers8769]

It's a sad thing, but this "can't do" mentality is almost religiously drummed into us, like some sort of cult indoctrination. No one is naturally talented at anything, they were just given the opportunity to develop a skill in a supportive environment. You are capable of anything, if you put your mind to it.

[@SiKay3000]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[@A-contented-Aussie-life]

Best thing we ever did was buy our caravan and start travelling around our state. Finding work when you want to stop. Going back out bush when you've had enough. We're saving money and enjoying life in our 50's on our terms.

[@cmelodysax]

Just for info - "Previously known as Nissan NV400, the new Interstar is the company's largest van, a badge-engineered Renault Master, created for the European market." Crazy, eh...😂 ?

[@garyrea2320]

I’m heading this direction, I’m a former combat medic that also served in Ukraine for 2.5. Years. I would like to teach people self application medical whilst on the road incase they suffer any injuries. This is my lifestyle of the future.

[@DaveH-t9s]

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]

Incredible 😍 so many adventures, I bet you have some good stories and memories under yer belt 😁

[@DaveH-t9s]

@@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

[@martinwyatt6390]

Dave, do it, am 78 and i live in my van its an ex open reach 3.5 ton box van multi fuel burner comfy bed loads of wood hanging around, so free heating, and water, plus solar so free leccy as well, i live mainly in south wales cos thats where am from, am on my own park where i want to as long as i have a view, yes so do it now or ul regret it later on in life

[@DavidDoble]

It’s a very sensible way to go… happy travels 😊

[@gloriamariadc7757]

So so inspiring!!!!!!!

[@peterware5173]

Will be living on a boat in Australia.

[@redbeki]

Absolutely know what you mean about bricks and mortar.. I'd never go back either!

[@thenoworriesnomad]

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]

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]

@@TheWoodlandNomad Yes mate it is a fantastic life style,

[@thenoworriesnomad]

@@TheWoodlandNomad where in the country are you roughly based, maybe a possible meet up?

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

@@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]

@@TheWoodlandNomad Yes mate, I’m in North Oxfordshire

[@brianbathgate4944]

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]

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.

[@etacas1412]

He figured out living. I wish I can.

[@Cancan2020]

Well done you mate. Like the way you think about life.. Life isn't about Bricks & mortar.

[@paulwilliams7070]

respect matty

[@africaeyesandears]

Fantastic - well filmed and so so inspiring. Thanks to you all

[@primalvanlife5581]

The correct work / life balance 😀

[@michellepasc7564]

I agree about a white van in the woods. I think your van color is stealth even for a city since it's a solid neutral color. I chose dark grey. There is nothing like being in nature. Bugs and all. I'd love to have a larger van I could stand up in but until I get one I'm content in my teeny , tiny van. Freedom to pick up and move along is very exciting. Also I'm not in good health but figured van life allows me to spend the days I have left truly enjoying life I stead if being stuck inside, in the same place . Great video ty for sharing.

[@robcz3926]

proper nice van, love the whole interior, especially that little wood stove

[@brettnbeckvalleyvan]

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 ❤️🙏🏻

[@gardenlevel7385]

My daughter uses a ceramic butter bell to keep butter without refrigeration. Maybe a solution for you? Also, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm fixing a 22 ft class c - not stealth, and maybe more parking-limited, but ultra comfortable with the little dog. It is also like a log cabin. I've taken it on a few trips as long as 4 weeks, but hope to spend more and more time in it. Maybe rent my house and go full time - your experience is a great inspiration.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

I'll look into that, it's definitely a bit soft in the warmer months 😛 Best of luck with your big wagon!

[@Patslifesjourney]

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.

[@sedlyholmes3722]

Damn probably the best setup I've seen in campervan

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Wow! Thank you so much, I'm flattered!

[@dianejohnson1991]

Very cozy arrangement. I started collecting herbs and making tinctures .

[@CityGirlGoneGreen]

I love your apothecary. I’m a Vanlife preparing to buy land and live off grid in the U.S.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

That's the dream, best of luck to you 🤞

[@boatsandbits7091]

Good on you! I live on a yacht and have the same basic joy and life philosophy

[@PandoraChaser2]

Lovely van build. Great chaga you had there too.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

One of my prized possessions 😁 🍄

[@mwalton00]

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]

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!

[@amberobards]

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]

Good luck on your journey mate 🙏 ☺

[@Missnatty9]

Arrrrr, don't feel any pressure. Enjoy it, take your time. It's an enjoyable watch however long it takes you. ❤️💛💚 Jah bless

[@aliaelborai]

Such a magician

[@TheButterflySoulfire]

Please obscure the license plate!

[@Jackie-rc6cj]

O.K This van has a wood stove, loving it!... Wonderful guy great attitude, freedom. 💗

[@garyhind1405]

A lot more people will be living in vans and cars in future mostly not by choice

[@matterhorn1975]

I live fulltime offgrid in my van too. 1 thing I would say is when you mentioned your rear door lock.it scared the hell out of me. If for any reason you have a fire in the front and your in the back, how the hell do you get out? I have a cut out in my bed base directly above the internal rear door handle, so at any time I can just reach down and open the back door and escape. The thought of sitting there trapped and burning g alive terrifies me.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

I never lock it when I'm in the van and I have the fire on. I only lock it when I leave it unattended for that exact reason. I was having issues with my rear door handle but I've got a gap under the mattress now so I can easily reach it and open the back doors ☺

[@statureparkour962]

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]

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 😁

[@JACrawshawAuthor]

Love your van. Thanks for sharing

[@chrismaund616]

Nice guy and a great van

[@joybeans10]

Very good attitude to life.

[@zurbruggpaul4360]

Such a cool person oh my lord!

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thanks mate! 😊

[@carolinenethercott8287]

What an amazing guy..and van!!!you are definitely living my dream😊

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Aww thank you Caroline, you're too kind 😊

[@eugenebalster3850]

Really enjoy watching the content that you put on the channel. A great antidote for the day to day stress of "normal " life.

[@germaineludik]

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 :(

[@Lifeonafarm-e1n]

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...

[@jeremyedwards3612]

Op van. Top bloke. Loads of great ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@REDGRIFFIN100]

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.

[@cherryrotella3714]

Smashing interior

[@liveration]

Absolutely 💯

[@michellelama2119]

What a beautiful celtic accent. Defo Irish. North, like myself. Long may it be your happiness x

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thank you 😝 I was born in Glasgow but raised in South West Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 😁

[@brook82]

Big inspiration

[@Thehonestruth]

What a great. young man, such a fantastic attitude to life. Thank you very much enjoyed this. 😊

[@Babylonboy55]

Very cool van, I love the style and reclaimed wood, you gave me inspiration my friend. Good luck!

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

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 😊

[@kellgiggs6593]

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]

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 🙏

[@SeanTaylor-gz6hb]

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

[@janebrommet7942]

Nice rigg🎉

[@greennarrowboater707]

Good to see you Matty , hope you are doing well :)

[@GreyGhost.]

SUPERB channel.

[@liveration]

Thank you very much! We're glad you're enjoying the videos 😊

[@NaturesEyesAndMouth]

Also they sell the deer whistles im not sure if they work but ive heard of em.

[@StevenWilcox-cm6en]

It's 100% your choice the Way You Live doesn't matter what anybody else thinks you do whatever makes you happy.

[@sambro7796]

I love this guy

[@rob20452]

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]

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]

@@TheWoodlandNomad ok fair enough I missed you saying that.

[@ziefik]

What a lovely chap. Wish him all the best! I do worry somewhat for all these folks who are graphic designers and work remotely, with the rise of AI I fear a lot of them will end up jobless :/

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thank you 😊 At the moment AI is being integrated into my design software and I'm finding it super useful. Definitely becoming a strange world we live in though!

[@dava-c5345]

Nature will always win 👍

[@sagora3114]

One cool dude... thank you sir)

[@SMIFFYTV]

I've been homeless, on the streets, tents and doorsteps. Ive lived in houses. Atm I'm in a hostel. Luckily I work 3 days a week and my dream is to get a van and convert it! Like yourself, I've had bouts of depression but when I'm out, I feel sooo free. Van life for me, is a dream. Nothing to do with money, it's the getting out there, exploring, nature. I use to live in Fleetwood, and I'd collect drift wood and make things out of it to sell. One day... Especially with how the world is atm.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

Thank you for sharing your story. Well done for sticking in and keeping your dreams in sight. All the best to you, mate!

[@SMIFFYTV]

@@TheWoodlandNomad yanno what? Thanks for ya comment. Really does mean a lot. Especially working with ppl who don't get it let alone care lol. Keep up the good work and I'll enjoy catching up on ya videos when I have time! Well worth a sub.

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

@@SMIFFYTV thanks mate! Have fun pursuing your dreams, you're already there, you're just catching up!

[@StellarOceans]

So worthwhile , this video! thank you

[@michaelconover1559]

Love this guy , is it me or does he look like mr.beast

[@TheWoodlandNomad]

I can tell you that my bank account certainly doesn't look like his 😅

[@liamrobinson3161]

Brilliant, such a knowledgeable guy.

[@dismaldog]

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.

[@TommyS61867]

Such an interesting guy. Amazing van

[@xspireddreams]

I found the comments about other road users being miserable and petty really interesting, I've found that all across the country whether you're in a van, camping, or even just cycling, people do some really strange and sometimes dangerous stuff. Whilst cycling I've had whole roads of traffic pull in to the curb to block me out of spite, and had vehicles trying to purposefully wake me up when camping. I always wondered why people would act like that - and I think Matty really nailed it there, they're just really miserable people (ironically probably stuck in the 9-5 + commute that he was so desperate to escape).

[@AnthonyEdgar-m3z]

I really like this guy

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

Beautiful. I wish I'd taken my drivers licence now.

[@graemesaunderson4218]

Great van and a really positive outlook.

[@peaches963]

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

[@gazbradshaw]

Too amazing this to watch

[@GaryPearson-f3z]

Nice to see you Matt. What a great advocate for ‘van life’.

[@ikonuk]

What a gent. Loved this.