Have you found a turnip yet. If you have (or when you ) you can make a spice rack which opens level 2 cauldron. Then you can make much better food. Ooze shakes, something with blood bags. Helps to have something like 100 life and 110 stamina. Plus you need the mead that resists poison vs blobs.

I built an outpost next to a swamp and then made slightly raised wooden walkway right to a crypt there. Its only raised 1 length of 26 degree staircase, that is enough that axe wielding Draugrs can't attack over it. They have to get on same level as you first. Leeches and blobs were not bad as long as you don't take everything on at once. Only the bow Draugr is a serious threat, and of course bodypiles. Fire arrows work well s body piles.

Just take your time with it. Have a moat around your base for the raids, or a raised earth wall.