Our People
Edward Cartwright
FounderEdward is the third generation of his family to call Swillington home, though people have lived and worked on this land for thousands of years, shaping and evolving this special place.
Edward grew up at Swillington and has spent much of his life exploring the land and lakes that now form Swillington Wilds, often out on the water or discovering quiet corners of the landscape.
For him, this landscape has always been home; a place where he developed a deep connection to the seasons, the wildlife and the slower rhythm of life outdoors.
After experiencing critical illness and spending time in intensive care, that connection to nature took on a deeper meaning. The thought of this landscape and the feeling of being outdoors was something he held onto and visualised while getting better.
The grounding in place and returning to the outdoors was so vital to his rehabilitation and recovery that he wanted to create a place where others could share in that restorative energy.
Ed believes that time outside, movement and the presence of nature can play a powerful role in recovery and wellbeing. In many ways he is following a longer tradition — during the First World War the grounds at Swillington were used as an auxiliary hospital, helping the wounded rest, breathe and regain strength in natural surroundings.
Swillington Wilds grows from that idea, Edward's vision is to create a place centred on wellness, wildness and the simple benefits of being outside, where people can reconnect with nature and with each other.
Jon Kinsey
FounderJon Kinsey is one of the founders of Swillington Wilds and a Leeds-based entrepreneur who already runs two established businesses in the city.
For Jon, the idea behind Swillington Wilds is deeply personal. Having lived with ADHD from a young age, he also experienced periods of anxiety and burnout, often linked to a constantly busy and overstimulated mind.
In his late thirties, he discovered the benefits of cold water therapy. Like many people, it started simply. After watching Wim Hof on the Joe Wicks podcast, Jon challenged himself to turn the shower down to cold. The effect was immediate. Within seconds he felt more awake, clearer headed and energised.
What began as thirty seconds under a cold shower gradually became a daily practice. That routine grew into cold tubs, first an inflatable bath in the garden, then a whisky barrel, and eventually a purpose-built ice bath.
Over time Jon found that the combination of cold water and stillness had a profound effect on both his mental and physical wellbeing. His anxiety eased, his focus improved, and he found a way to bring calm to a busy mind. He also noticed physical benefits, with old back injuries becoming easier to manage.
Today, despite still feeling that familiar moment of hesitation before getting into cold water, Jon credits the practice with helping him stay calm, focused and balanced while managing both business and everyday life.
Swillington Wilds grew from that experience. His aim is to create a place where others, including those with ADHD or busy, overstimulated lives, can discover the benefits of cold water, nature and community in a safe, welcoming environment.
Paul Ellison
FounderPaul has been connected to Swillington Organic Farm for more than 25 years. His relationship with the farm began through links with the restaurant trade and later through time spent volunteering on the land.
Professionally, Paul works in commercial property. Alongside this he has helped develop a number of community and environmental initiatives in Leeds, including Wasteshark Leeds and the long-running Oakwood Cinema project.
Paul discovered wild swimming as a way to recharge and reset, helping to calm a dysregulated nervous system following Lyme disease. The experience showed him the powerful impact that water, fresh air and time outdoors can have on wellbeing.
He is delighted to now bring together his passions for community, the environment and open water swimming through his involvement in Swillington Wilds.