If you have a Hatchet, you can cut wood outside your house and convert them into planks.
Alternately, add them to your inventory using the cheat menu in Preferences.
How do I continue? I've spoken to the new scout from the guild, but I'm confused on what I'm meant to do now? My two tasks are to investigate the settlement (I've tried going into the desert but get blown back. I'm guessing I have to get a pair of the scouts robes at some point?) and to go south to help the other 3, but I don't know where to go.