Willow was born and raised on a farm in the rural northern Netherlands, but moved permanently to the Scottish Highlands at the age of 17 after falling in love with its hills, wilderness and remoteness. With her genetic roots planted firmly in nature Willow learned as many old and ancient crafts as she could, such as shepherding, beekeeping, spinning, tanning, felt making, birch bark and willow basketry, carving wood and medicinal plants. After doing a number of formal bushcraft courses (2002-2003) she trained and then worked professionally in the subject for 5 years. Willow feels particularly drawn to the indigenous living skills of the Northern people. A temperate climate and environment is extremely challenging, because of its changeability, therefore it demands ingenuity, patience, self confidence and a deep respect for nature. With a degree in Philosophy and a number of years of working with Native American Elders, Willow has acquired a unique and deep insight not only in the practical skills of bushcraft, but she views bushcraft as an opportunity of getting back to the elusive significance of ourselves as belonging in nature.Willow lives with her children and bees and rare breed animals in a farm cottage in the Cairngorm National Park, Scotland, seeking out remote and wild places and its natural inhabitants in her spare time.