From Margaret, a former garden manager:

‘I first arrived at the Beshara school as a volunteer in November 2005. As a member of ‘WWOOF’ (Willing Worker On an Organic Farm), I had experienced many different places, both in Scotland and in New Zealand, but I was immediately aware that I was in a very special place on entering the school for the first time.

Initially, I was in awe of the splendour of the dining room and the large numbers (approx 30) people assembling at the massive yew table, under chandeliers. This was quite different from the usual wwoof environment! It was wonderful to have the meals all cooked for you – and what delicious food!

Over my first three-week stay I gradually became aware of another major difference to my other wwoof experiences. The folk seemed to be genuinely attempting to be non-judgmental and caring about others. Also, the conversation meetings and zikr were entirely new and strange happenings for me.

I returned again and again, and eventually took part in a nine-day course - a very special time, during which I understood more about the order of the place. Eventually, I found myself taking on the management of the garden.
It was scary – so much work and vast amounts of vegetables to supply the kitchen with. But I soon discovered that once a commitment is made, help really does shower down upon you in huge amounts. Is not life wonderful?’

From Walt, who is still here…

‘As with most places, the wwoofing year at Chisholme is dictated by the seasons, and the requirements of the short and long courses which go on here at this school. When I first arrived (Sep 05) I was merely joining the dots on a wwoofing based cycle tour, I knew nothing about esoteric education, and my spiritual development had been restricted to a minor interest in Buddhism.

So ... this community (I hesitate to use the word, but in many ways it is true) proved welcoming, provoking and a continual challenge to the 'ego' throughout my stay, which rapidly extended to the whole of the winter. Now I'm back, and intend to make the most of another winter. The garden is run primarily as a teaching environment, and we all learn and profit from our involvement in both it, and the general estate.

Once here, you'll find yourself involved in almost anything, as there is a massive capacity for the place to receive as much as you can throw at it!’