Volunteering Holiday in Scotland

There are two options available for this holiday, both in the same location and using the same accommodation.

Option One: Nature Retreat 
Help in our splendid organic gardens or friendly kitchen in the mornings, gaining new skills from our experienced gardeners and cook and getting to know the resident community and other guests. In the afternoons explore the picturesque coastline, rivers and ancient forests, meet the local wildlife and learn about this special area with an experienced wildlife biologist.

Your guide will help you discover the local seals, dolphins, birds, deer and more, plus lead a number of ‘nature connection’ activities to help you slow down and really ‘be’ in the land. These may include photography, art with natural/found objects, nature journaling, creative writing, and basic bushcraft skills (e.g. firelighting, campfire cooking and shelter building).

Option Two: Seal Conservation
As with option one, you will help in the garden or kitchen in the mornings, then in the afternoons take on the role of a researcher on a seal conservation project at the stunning Findhorn Bay. This project is led by our founder, an experienced marine mammal biologist and you will have the opportunity to learn plenty of new skills. This is a fantastic chance for wildlife enthusiasts or if you’ve ever been drawn to the idea of being a marine biologist.

The project focuses on how the seals use the bay and how they are affected by increasing use of the area by locals and tourists. The aim of the research is to develop sustainable use and educational programmes so that seals and people can both continue using the bay.You will have the opportunity to learn about seal behaviour, biology and folklore plus play an important role in protecting these seals for the future. There will also be a trip a bit further afield to look for and learn about our resident dolphin population.

Accommodation
You will stay in a beautiful Victorian mansion in the north east of Scotland, just 27 miles east of Inverness, set in extensive organic gardens and surrounded by Scots pine woods. The house is run as a holistic education, workshop and retreat centre by a community of nine residents. The community’s mission is “to develop, practice and teach skills for sustainable living, in harmony with ourselves, each other and the earth”. You can choose to stay in the house itself or in one of our two impressive and comfortably furnished canvas bell tents in the quiet grounds.

The price given applies when you share a room, or tent, with friends (or make new friends by sharing with other like-minded travellers who are holidaying on their own). If you would prefer a single room, or a tent to yourself, there is a £60 supplement for the week. We also welcome working guests, WOOFers and provide B&B accommodation.