woodlanddwelling

Woodlanddwelling is the practice or state of living in forested landscapes. The term can refer to Indigenous and local communities with long-standing tenure in woodlands, as well as individuals who choose forest-centered lifestyles in modern settings. It encompasses a spectrum from sedentary village life within forests to mobile or seasonal habitation.

Habitats range from temperate and boreal woodlands to tropical rainforests. Dwellings may be simple shelters built from natural materials, cabins, treehouses, or other off-grid structures. Daily life typically emphasizes close use of forest resources for shelter, fuel, food, and materials, with practices such as foraging, hunting or fishing where legal, and gathering of non-timber forest products.

Historically, forest dwelling has been central to many cultures; forests provided food, medicine, shelter, and trade goods, with customary laws governing access and resource use. In modern contexts, woodland-dwelling practices may be linked to subsistence, conservation, ecotourism, or intentional living.

Contemporary challenges include land rights, legal restrictions, and balancing forest protection with habitation; climate change and increased hazards can affect safety. Some woodland dwellers advocate sustainable forestry, low-impact construction, and respect for biodiversity, while others participate in formal forest economies or advocacy organizations.

See also forest dweller, forager, homesteading, ecotourism.