Mum, 55, embraces nomadic life after leaving Milton Keynes home

Jessica, a 55-year-old mother, transitioned to a nomadic lifestyle after years of maintaining a family home in Milton Keynes. In 2019, she began living full-time in her van, embracing an outdoor life that she found liberating. By 2021, she had moved into a bender tent in Blackburn, and as of 2022, she resides in a larger tent in the Cheshire countryside, equipped with basic amenities and a connection to nature. Her living arrangement allows her to keep monthly expenses around £300 by growing her own food and foraging, while also sharing her space with various wildlife. Jessica's children, aged 25 and 27, support her lifestyle choice, often visiting her in her unique living situation. Jessica's experience with off-grid living has led her to believe it could address many modern issues, including the cost of living crisis, although she acknowledges the legal challenges associated with such a lifestyle. She plans to temporarily relocate to Lancaster for the winter, living with her partner, who shares her passion for alternative living. Looking ahead, Jessica aims to assist others in creating their own bender tents and hosting workshops on construction techniques. Her journey reflects a growing interest in sustainable living and the challenges faced by those who choose to live outside conventional housing norms.