Croft- 21 acres
Western Isles
After ten years of hosting we are looking forward to hosting volunteers again in 2024, both folk we have not met before and some who are brave enough to return, some for a third or fourth time! Brendon my husband sadly died in April 2023 but I am continuing as a Woof host in partnership with my son Richard, daughter in law Aliyssa and grandson Robin - born May 2023.
We have a 21 acre (about 9 hectare) croft on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland about 8 miles (13 km) south from the main town of Stornoway where the ferry docks from Ullapool. We run the croft on organic principles and grow trees, vegetables and flowers, some in raised beds. We have planted a small area with fruit trees and soft fruit within the main tree shelter belt. We keep chickens and peacocks, but have no other livestock currently.
We have planted around 40 thousand trees in three main areas, which are developing well. One area is riparian habitat for conservation purposes and the other two areas are mixed general purpose (coppicing, firewood, shelterbelt). In Autumn 2014 with WWOOFER help one area of the woodland was crowned to develop the understorey in line with permaculture principles. We have continued crowning as the trees develop and have further trees to crown this winter.
We generally grow vegetables and fruit for our own use. We live on the edge of a tidal sea loch so are able to use sea weed as a natural fertiliser which has proved very successful.
We are interested in green energy and use a heat store system for all our heating and hot water. We have been fossil fuel free for heating for about ten years. Inputs to the system are from a wood burning stove and PV solar panels. The system provides all our heating and hot water. In 2018 and 2019 we installed additional PV panels on frames built with woofer help for electricity. The electricity is also used to charge our 2 electric vehicles which has proved very successful (reliable and cheap) for our needs.
Our croft house is nearly 100 years old and has been added to and adapted by various previous occupants. We have gradually been renovating and insulating our rooms and 10 years ago replaced the house roof with WWOOF volunteer help.
Upstairs in the house we have a double room for WWOOFer accommodation and a single room which can take 2 single beds if required. There is also plenty of space either near the house or further away for camping. We have a tentipi which is available for volunteer use if desired. We usually eat meals together in the evening and at lunch time and volunteers help themselves to breakfast.
Days off can be taken together or separately. Generally this is a Sunday and one day during the week, although this is not fixed and can be varied by agreement.
There is good bus service to attractions on the island, for example Callanish (Callanais) neolithic stone circle (W2), Carloway Broch (W2), stunning beaches and hillwalks in Harris (W10). There is a bus to Stornoway and the Castle Grounds (W8). When possible we are happy to show you some of the islands attractions, work commitments permitting.
We now have just one dog Snoopy, a Collie born in 2021. As we do not keep sheep he is not a trained working dog but generally joins us on the croft while we are outside as he loves to be with people.
Future development projects include further tree planting and development of outhouses for instance additional woodstore, Shepherds Hut , completing the deer fencing and fitting out the second polytunnel built in May 2023 . We have a small Tree Nursery on the croft which has been another part of our croft diversification and there are plenty of trees that remain still to be planted.
Organic methods: For fertiliser we use mainly wood ash from our fire or seaweed gathered at the edge of the Croft. We usually use no dig on the vegetable beds. We grow trees both from seed gathered locally or from young nursery stock from the north of Scotland. We don't use any non natural pesticides or herbicides. All weeding is manually done. The fruit bushes and fruit trees form part of the woodland area in line with permaculture principles. We minimise our carbon footprint by using renewable energy systems and planting young trees to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improve soil fertility.
Certifications: As we are a small non commercial Croft we are not certified organic, due to the cost involved.
Current projects: Building another woodstore, fitting out the second tunnel and constructing a path to it, Shepherds Hut and deer fence completion. Ongoing repair and maintainance, grass cutting, weeding, hedge cutting, planting and harvesting flowers,fruit and vegetables.
Internet access available.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Forestry
Flower farming
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Green Building
Renewable energy production
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
8.5
Hectares
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21
Acres
Liz
Member since 2013
Languages spoken:
English, Sign language
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Mon
Tue
Wed
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Sat
Response rate: 98%
Response time: typically within 6 days
Western Isles
By Calmac car ferry from mainland Scotland (either Ullapool to Stornoway, Lewis or Isle of Skye to Tarbert, Harris). By plane to Stornoway from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Inverness. We are 8 miles south of Stornoway on a bus route, W8
Reviews
Alina
Germany
•
March 2026
Had a great two weeks at Liz' Croft! Beautiful Landscape, great food and such a lovely, welcoming family!
I learnt a lot and it was the perfect mixture of work on the croft and just enjoying time to unwind and have a downtime from city life.
Claudia
United Kingdom
•
November 2025
WWOOFING here was amazing, it was such a perfect balance of work and rest. We were able to get stuck into various jobs around the croft, from clearing fallen trees and erecting a deer fence to bramble bashing and weeding. All of it was done with ample time for tea and biscuits. We were well fed all through out the day and the accommodation spacious enough for a couple and to do some yoga in. Liz was very helpful in letting us know where the local tourist spots where and the best scones were. I would highly recommend wwoofing here for anyone that is interested, you'll have a great experience. Thank you again Liz and everyone else that was there.
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Timothy
United Kingdom
•
October 2025
I had the most amazing time at [Host] with Liz, Richard, Aliyssa, Anik, and Robin. From the very first day, Liz made me feel completely at home and part of the family. Mornings were spent working together—transporting seaweed onto the veggie beds, trimming hedges and trees, and caring for a newly arrived litter of puppies—while the afternoons and evenings were free for me to explore my own interests on the beautiful Isle of Lewis. I discovered the joy of endless cups of rooibos tea, honed my tennis skills with Richard at the Stornoway Tennis Club after watching some incredible films at An Lanntair and Bake Off! Everything—from the warmth of the people to the rhythm of work and rest—came together to create an experience that felt both grounding and transformative. I can’t wait to return to this truly life-changing place!
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Anik
Switzerland
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October 2025
I had an amazing time at [Host] and even extended my stay! Liz is extremely kind and welcoming, and always made sure I had everything I needed. The work was varied and included removing brambles, weeding, watering the polytunnels, strimming, cleaning the henhouse, walking the dogs, puppy care, and crowning trees. I even spent one week on my own when Liz was away, looking after the house and the dogs. Besides the work, I really enjoyed taking part in other activities like going on walks with the local walking club, attending yoga classes, joining the craft group, and going to the cinema during the Hebrides Film Festival. I also got to see a lot of Lewis and Harris, as Liz and Richard took me on trips to show me around. Thank you so much for the amazing time – I would absolutely recommend going!
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Meike
Germany
•
August 2025
I spent two weeks with Liz and the time went by way too fast. Liz is lovely and welcoming. She always made sure I was comfortable, which I always was.
I was there at a special time, when she had seven (!) puppies to take care of. I loved them! It was a pleasure to help her take care of them. Other tasks included gardening, such as weeding, picking raspberries, and removing brambles. We also walked the wonderful dogs and cleaned the henhouse. The place with the planted trees is truly special and beautiful. I only planted three or four, but it was still a great feeling. Nevertheless, there was still enough time to discover the amazing surroundings (by bus or with Liz or her friends).
I met great people, learned a lot about the island and life there, and am extremely grateful for the time. This special place is highly recommended. Thank you very much, Liz!
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Fiona
South Africa
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April 2025
We had an absolutely amazing and unforgettable time with Liz. She is an experienced and well organised host. We were given clear tasks and lots of affirmation. The work was thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding. The setting is beautiful and we loved being outside and enjoying the birds and the unique surroundings. We had sunshine almost every day, delicious meals and met a wide range of lovely family members and friends. Liz is a warm and giving person and she made us feel like special guests. She made time to take us to many stunning places on both Lewis and Harris and was a wonderful tour guide. Liz has an extremely busy life but remains calm , laugh a lot and takes it all in her stride. We loved our time and would recommend the Lewis Croft in a heartbeat ! Thank you Liz for everything.
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