Working Retreat

A free and flexible working retreat: arrive or leave on any of the days during the retreat if you wish. We offer you free board and lodging and an informal retreat structure in exchange for about 5 hours work each day. Come and help us develop our forest garden and land at Tirylan House!

Following our previous successful free tree-planting retreat in January 2023, this retreat offers a similar experience but with a wider range of likely tasks. There are many things to be done on our land and forest garden in the late summer/ early autumn. These may include fruit harvesting/processing, pond digging, weeding, mulching, or creating paths. There will be some flexibility to give you work that fits your personal skills, capabilities and interests.

The retreat will be jointly led by Robert and Viryanaya, and anyone is welcome who would like to engage in physical work in a context of practice and enjoy the countryside (you will need to be moderately fit and over 18). We will offer meditation and possibly other activities (such as talks or arts activities), but these will be optional. There will also be  some free time to walk, study, socialize, or whatever you wish. If you’re new to our retreats, however, please read our ‘being on retreat at Tirylan House‘ page, to get a general understanding of the retreat practice context, before booking.

To book, please go to the costs and booking page. No payment is needed on booking, but without the incentive of a deposit, we rely on you to only book if you are committed to coming, and to let us know as soon as possible if you change your plans.