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, that we currently do not have a head gardener and there are times when it is very 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 guidance, for example during gardening weeks.
For WWOOFers wanting to stay longer periods, please not that we initially accept two weeks and then have a conversation about whether you would like to stay on and it is a good fit for us, too.
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 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: 96%
Response time: typically within 4 days
Borders
TRAIN: Carlisle/Edinburgh BUS: Hawick Find out in more detail at: http://Www.chisholme.org/Contact-directions.html
Reviews
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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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!
Scarlet
United States
•
October 2025
I had a lovely week at [Host]! Everybody was a kind and so welcoming.The food ( and tea) was delicious, the location was beautiful! Lots of places to walk around in forests and fields. For work I did lots in the garden and some in the kitchen work. The accommodations were beautiful clean and cozy!
Kim
Australia
•
September 2025
An incredible and beautiful place and bunch of people. And garden, and house, and accomodations, and food, and philosophy. I worked in the incredible food gardens and the kitchen mostly. I loved it very much and will absolutely be returning. It feels like a home away from home now. The other wwoofers and residents and I all overlapped with our tasks, like a big family.
Ruth
Germany
•
April 2023
I had a wonderful stay at Chilsholme, so much so that I definitely want to come back soon. It is a lovely place and everyone there is extremely welcoming. You can join the spiritual offers like meditation and studies if you like. I did gardening and could work in the kitchen which I both really enjoyed but the task are very flexible. I got to know amazing people and learned a lot in the in the impressively organized and pretty garden. You'll eat very well and the cottage is wonderfully comfortable. And the landscape is stunning.
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Eduard
United Kingdom
•
July 2018
Chisholme house its not a common place, that's really special! Just entry in the land, you can feel the good vibes. The people is very lovely and warm. I'll come back, sure.
