Educational centre, communal living / cohousing
Borders
"As a volunteer here you are appreciated for who you are, not only for what you do."
We are a school for spiritual education and retreat centre dedicated to the art of self-discovery. Set in the heart of the Scottish Borders, we have offered a complete education in what it means to be human for over forty years. The school draws on the wisdoms of many traditions, the guiding principle being the Unity of Existence.
Volunteers are a vital part of life here. You may be involved in diverse activities ranging from working in the organic garden, to cooking a feast, splitting timber, putting up yurts or maintaining the house. As a volunteer, you are welcome to participate in all aspects of the Institute including study and meditation.
WWOOFers may come throughout the year but please get in touch with us for availability. Please note, there are times and seasons when it is quite quiet – these times are more suitable for WWOOFers who have some gardening experience and/or are happy to work by themselves (mealtimes etc. are still together). There are other times, when there will be more people and more guidance, for example during garden focus weeks.
For WWOOFers wanting to stay longer periods, please note that we initially accept for two weeks and then have a conversation about whether you would like to stay on and if it is a good fit for us, too.
Following on from the initial two weeks a small daily contribution is requested.
In addition to working with your hands you are invited to participate in conversation and study, which give space to enquire into your own questions which may arise during your stay. You are also most welcome to join in the daily meditation sessions and other supportive activities.
We advise bringing two pairs of footwear: one for outdoors (ideally welly boots) and one for indoors. We do have a collection of gardening clothing available to volunteers.
The days here are structured and you are welcome to engage in all the activities provided. You help out 6 days a week (but don't worry there is enough time to rest!). To give you an idea of what it will be like, we've included a timetable below. WWOOFers will be expected to help set the table and clear up after meals.
7:00am - Meditation
7:30am - Breakfast
9:00am - Work
10:15am - Coffee Break
10:45am - 12:30 - Work
12:45pm - Set the table
1:00pm - Lunch
2:15pm - Work
4:00pm - Tea Break
4:30 - Work/Study/Break
6:00pm - Meditation
6:45/7:15pm - Set the table
7:00/7:30pm - Supper
Certifications: no chemicals are used, applying organic principals
Internet access and phone signal available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Forestry
Flower farming
Seed saving or production
Bakery
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
75.7
Hectares
|
187
Acres
The
Member since 2009
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 97%
Response time: typically within 6 days
Borders
TRAIN: Carlisle/Edinburgh BUS: Hawick Find out in more detail at: http://Www.chisholme.org/Contact-directions.html
Reviews
Taylor
United States
•
June 2026
Had an incredible time WWOOFing here. The people are kind and welcoming, the grounds are amazing, and there was a nice variety of tasks.
Emile
Belgium
•
June 2026
I spent two weeks at [Host] and it has been fantastic. The garden is beautiful and it is a pleasure to work there.
But according to me, a stay at [Host] is beyond gardening. I learned so many things, had so many inspiring talks with incredible people and ate such great food. People of [Host] are really kind and attentive. I am grateful to have had the chance to meet all these people and I am looking forward to coming back
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Henk
Netherlands
•
June 2026
The [Host] is a very good place for a WWOOFer. It is a remote place with vast and beautiful natural space around it. The people are very friendly. The house breathes an atmosphere of service, to each other, to nature and to the whole of creation. They took the time that was needed to introduce me, and were concerned about my safety and well-being. They like it when you take responsability for your own well-being. I worked with very much pleasure in their beautiful vegetable garden, which is huge and requires a lot of work. [Host] is a school for the study of esoteric texts and of how these to bring into your own life. Just before I came they decided to have a daily study on different texts. I was invited to join and I like their way of studying very much. We read togehter, contemplated in silence and asked each other questions or made remarks with regards to the text.
Because of my age (75) first I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to work 6 days a week, but that appeared no problem. That doesn't mean that you are not doing a lot here. Every night I am tired and the schedule leaves not very much room for reading or other private activities. But it is absolutely worthwhile if you love organic gardening, beautiful nature and good food.
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Reply from The
Thank you for your thoughtful and positive review Henk. It's great that you've harmoniously immersed yourself in the daily life of Chisholme. We hope you will consider it a place to return as your presence is very much welcomed here :-)
Sari
Canada
•
May 2026
Woofing here was a truly unique experience. Work at the [Host] is an opportunity to experience a focused attention to the sacred. The timetable for work, breaks, meals etc.. are consciously designed to give one times of solitude and community. It is hard to put into words the profound impact this institute has had on me. The garden I worked in was large with many beds outside and in greenhouses. Work was assigned with sensitivity to ability and was diverse enough to be interesting. Instructions were clear and the people I worked with were wonderful.
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Reply from The
Thank you Sari, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your time here and are very much hoping you will return soon.
Grace
Lisa
France
•
December 2025
We stayed for two weeks in this unique and welcoming place, surrounded by the Chisholme community. We shared special moments with each of them, filled with laughter, emotions, and sharing around the kitchen, the vegetable garden, and life in general. You can also taste the best brownies of your life there, and enjoy a large kitchen if you like to cook good food! Everyone was so kind, caring and loving towards us. We highly recommend it! Thank you again for this wonderful surprise, we hope to see you again :)
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Reply from The
Lisa & Violette, it was such a pleasure to have your company and service at Chisholme. We hope you will return to spend more time with us and wish you well for your next steps.
Léonie
France
•
October 2025
[Host] was the best woofing experience you could dream of, everyone was interesting, welcoming and kind. The work was satisfying, and we could do it at our own pace, the food was delicious, the bedroom was very comfortable and the spiritual aspect of our stay was insightful and thought provoking. I could not recommend [Host] more, and I will definitely come back!
Reply from The
Thank you Leonie, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your time here. It was a pleasure to meet you and hope to see you again.
Grace
