Flower grower, tree nursery, woodland, house and garden
Moray
LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION MEANS I HAVE ONE ROOM (TWIN) AVAILABLE FROM 1st MAY - 30TH MAY. WE ARE THEN FULLY BOOKED UNTIL THE 6TH OF SEPTEMBER. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL OR PART OF THE TIME TO FILL THIS SPACE.
The estate has been in the family for over 100 years and 15 years ago I started to transform 60 acres of my woodlands into an arboretum. The main idea is to plant trees from all over the world. The aim of the project is to understand the needs of the trees that can take the place of lost native species in the future due to climate change but also to create a beautiful amenity. The Burgie Arboretum is my personal stand against climate change. All trees and shrubs are grown from hand collected seeds and cuttings. The work varies from planting, weeding, labelling, estate maintains including fencing, road repairs, water works,...
WWOOFers will stay in simple accommodation with private bathroom and share the kitchen and lounge area. A washing machine is available.
WWOOFers will be self catering and eat their meals independently, but food of your choice will be provided. I can take up to 6 WWOOFers at any one time. 3 pairs provided they are prepared to share a room.
4G is bad here but it is possible in certain parts of the estate.
There are a lot of activities that can be done from this part of Scotland of outstanding beauty and mild climate such as cycling, walking, canoeing and dolphins watching. Touring at the week ends is encouraged and there is a vast amount of adventures that can be done. There is a good bus and rail services locally.
Cheap car rental can be arranged too but you will have to have the necessary documentation for driving.
The whole object of coming to BURGIE is to have FUN!
Organic methods: Planting, seeds propagating, weeding, mulching, ...
Current projects: The arboretum is on going with lots of planting, developments, planning and some constructional work most of the time
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Forestry
Flower farming
Seed saving or production
Traditional crafts
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
485.6
Hectares
|
1,200
Acres
Hamish
Member since 2011
Languages spoken:
English, German
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 2 days
Moray
Fly or Train to Inverness or Aberdeen. Train or Bus to Forres, then A96 by car to Elgin - 4 Miles on A96 road to south sign posted in wrought iron "Burgie Mains". Further details as to House etc by phone.
Reviews
Robbie
United States
•
April 2026
Our stay at [Host] was short, only about a week. It had been something very last minute as our previous plans had been canceled and had needed to reschedule somewhere else right away. Despite the short stay we had such a wonderful time! The Arboretum is really quite incredible. Not only did we get to spend some time working in the Arboretum, we got to help out with other odd jobs around the estate as well. It ended up being a really special few days. Hamish, thank you for making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The work was wonderful and it was fun learning about the trees and hearing all your wonderful stories!
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Craig
United States
•
April 2026
I stayed at [Host] for two months and had a really nice time. I actually only spent a few days working on the arboretum itself, but the rest of the time was spent working with Hamish on various odd jobs all around the estate, which was a lot of fun. There are bicycles available and plenty of places to go exploring during the weekends. Hamish is one of a kind and the rest of the staff were also great to work with, I feel like I learned a lot, and I would definitely recommend WWOOFing here.
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Victorien
France
•
March 2026
I spent 20 wonderful days with Hamish and his beautiful world
The farm is huge, with a magnificent arboretum looked after by a nature lover! I learnt a lot about trees
The accommodation is very comfortable and the varied tasks were always carried out in good spirits and with plenty of laughter with Hamish – thank you for that!
There’s also plenty to see in the surrounding area over the weekend, and the sea is right on the doorstep!
I’d love to come back!
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Sophia
Germany
•
December 2024
Dear Hamish,
the time at Burgie has been very inspiring and I met so many people with whom I got along very well. Regardless of the winter months, there were still many different tasks, especially all kinds of wood work. So there was a lot to learn and it never got boring. I especially felt welcome because you always made sure we were doing well and when I got ill, you would not let me work. It was nice to stay with such a caring person like you, even though I will always remember your favourite sentence “that’ll do“, that sometimes caused… very unique results and a good laugh.
The most beautiful about the stay at your farm was that not only the trees and flowers seemed to flourish under your guidance but also everyone who came to work by your side. You are having the smile and and the will to learn of a young man but what you built -and are still building every day- tells even more stories of a long creative life than the ones you told to us during breaks.
As someone who wasn’t talkative enough to tell you then, I wanna thank you now.
Regards and best wishes
Sophia
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Juliette
France
•
June 2024
We had a wonderful time at Burgie ! Hamish is a great host. We had good discussions and laughted a lot.
The work was varied and never hard. The arboretum is truly beautiful, it is a real pleasure to work in such an environnement !
We'll be back !
Charlotte
Switzerland
•
April 2024
My month here was really amazing. Hamish is the warmest, kindest and most generous host you will ever meet. He always tries to keep the work varied and interesting, and enthusiastically shares his passion for trees. I have learnt an enormous amount about trees and how they grow.
The arboretum is absolutely magnificent! I really admire all the work that has gone into creating such a magical place. Every weekend I found it hard to choose between visiting something or just spending even more time in the arboretum.
I would highly recommend [HOST], whether you want to spend a few weeks or just visit the arboretum. Thank you so much Hamish!
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