Interviews with the men of Eden

15 July 2016

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Andrew (Shopfitter, 34)

Why did you apply to be involved in the show?           

I saw an advert on the internet that said, could you start again and live in the wilderness for a year, and I thought, yes. It’s what I enjoy, the outdoors. It seemed right up my street.  My parents used to take us walking in the countryside every weekend and when I was younger I joined the air cadets, - that’s where I got my passion from. Living in the wilderness is something I’ve always wanted to do. You always think you’ll never get the opportunity, but it’s been dropped at my feet.

Will your professional skills be transferrable here?

I hope so. My shopfitting involves a lot of joinery and woodwork which, with the heating and plumbing, could come in very handy in the wilderness.

Have you done any mental or physical preparation?

I do a very physical job and I spend every weekend walking around the Dales, so I’m quite fit. Mentally, I don’t think I need to do any preparation. I think I’d be all right.

What’s your one essential item?

Talculm powder.

Are there specific skills you’d like to learn from the others?

Absolutely, every day’s a school day. I fish already, I hunt already, I hope there are professional hunters and fishermen so I can hone my skills. I had an allotment for two seasons so I know about growing vegetables, but if there is a farmer that knows more than me… it’s a year so I hope I can learn as much as possible.

Would you welcome a romance?

I’m a single man, I’d always welcome a romance!