Welcome to The Warren Forest Garden and Eco Cabins, Clive and Julie’s ecological household, garden and woodland on the beautiful Black Isle, 13km north of Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. As well as being our home, we offer eco friendly accommodation, creative residencies and volunteering opportunities focused on regenerative living.
The household and gardens here are being nurtured using design and techniques to create a balanced ecosystem for people, plants and animals while also adapting to the unfolding climate and ecological crisis. We have a mosaic of meadows, forest gardens, mixed woodland, wildlife pond and bog garden, a kitchen garden growing vegetables, salads, herbs, fruit, polycultures of wild flowers for insects and pollinators, all on 2.5 acres (1 hectare). Organic and no dig methods create healthy soil and closed loop systems ensure nothing is wasted, for example composting, wormeries, mulching, reusing/upcycling materials, and wood processing for firewood and construction.
We’ve been a part of the network of Permaculture LAND (Learning Action Network Demonstration) Centre, under the name Black Isle Permaculture & Arts, since 2018. A LAND centre is a place where visitors can see how the ethics, principles, nature connection and design processes which make up ‘Permaculture’ have been applied to the physical site and how we try to live more lightly on the planet here.
OUR ACCOMMODATION
We invite you to stay in one of our unique woodland eco cabins. Combining environmentally friendly features, artistic touches and rustic charm, the Green Tourism Gold rated cabins are ideal for eco conscious travellers who want to experience simple living! We have two eco friendly cabins sited in our small woodland, called Siskin and Coll Cabin. The names are derived from the place and nature around them. Siskin is a small bird which is common around the woods. Coll is Hazel in the Ogham ancient medieval tree alphabet, and in Celtic mythology Hazel is associated with wisdom, creativity and knowledge.
SISKIN CABIN
Siskin Cabin sleeps two in a double bed, and is a compact, cosy space with a woodburner, dining/seating area, cooking facilties, a bucket shower and compost toilet, and a tranquil outdoor deck looking over the woods and fields.
Coll Cabin is our slightly larger space, also sleeping two in a comfortable double bed, with a bucket shower and compost toilet in the bathroom, but with a larger living space, woodburner and also a desk/workspace area if you are looking for a relaxing and creative space.
Our stay at the eco-lodge was so beautiful! Clive and Julie were really accommodating hosts, and were really helpful with giving us advice on adventures around the area. The setting was absolutely beautiful, situated within their woodland that was part of their permaculture project.
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Serena
24 Aug 2020
Der Aufenthalt in der kleinen Hütte im Wald war super, um ein paar Tage abzuschalten. Einfach mal nichts machen und die Ruhe genießen konnte man dort sehr leicht. Mein Highlight war der kleine Kamin für den bereits Feuerholz bereitliegt, wenn man eincheckt. Insgesamt ein super tolles Airbnb.
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Eva
10 Aug 2023
After some urban days, we arrived at Kilcoy, where we were welcomed by Clive, Julie and their beautiful cabin. It had all you needed, nicely surrounded by trees. Being aware of your water usage and getting around by public transport might seem like an obstacle, but has its charm and, for us, proved to be a very pleasant way of spending our days here. Having to choose between staying around the cabin and its adjacent "woodlands" and garden, or going to one of the various trips to natural scenery is hard - but that's a good thing.
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Sam
14 Jul 2022
We loved every bit of our stay. Communication was quick and easy, Clive met us for our check in and was very kind in showing us around and explaining how everything worked as well as giving many great tips and recommendations for walks and activities around the area. The cabin itself was super cosy and had everything you needed for a few days away from the stress of bigger cities, as well as being in a lovely area for walks and exploring Black Isle. A great way to make you think about living more sustainable and appreciating our comfort within our own homes!!
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Elena
25 Aug 2022
The location is absolutely a one of a kind experience. On one hand we came to recharge our batteries and rest, which was perfect at this location. The cabin is at a very quiet location and has a very idyllic look and feel to it. On the other we explored the nearby city of Inverness and other sights. Our host Clive was kind enough to leave instructions on things to do around the towns and city: walks, sights, restaurants, ... We had a wonderful time and definitely recommend this place to others.
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Annabel
15 Jul 2023
Un lieu de séjour extraordinaire et des hôtes merveilleux
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Arnaud
26 Jun 2022
My boyfriend and I had an amazing time in the cabin! We stayed for a couple of days and didn’t really leave till it was time to check out. The location is secluded enough to feel like you’re living in a fairytale but close enough to the hosts if something goes wrong! The cabin is beautiful inside with everything you would ever need, with so many books and games, and it is so nice to sit outside with a cup of tea too! It’s a beautiful little escape and we will definitely be coming back!!
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Tiegan
09 Aug 2021
A great location in the highlands but also a wonderful spot to just stop and think about the world. I came away thinking about my impact on the world. Highly recommended.
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Graeme
02 Dec 2023
Everything was perfect. Thank you Clive!
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Stefano
17 Apr 2022
We had a lovely time staying in Clive and Julie’s cabin. The location is very pretty and peaceful. The cabin is cosy, especially when the fire is going. The bed is very comfy. It is clear that a lot of love and care has gone into making the cabin special. Clive was very friendly and welcoming.
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Kirsty
01 Apr 2024
La casita y el lugar son geniales! Una experiencia única, totalmente recomendable
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Elena
08 Jul 2022
This was an unforgettable stay and we loved every minute especially having a tour of the site and an insight into permaculture. The eco hut is comfortable and well designed and there were so many little touches that made us feel welcome and at home.
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Georgia
24 Aug 2021
We sometimes host volunteers through the seasons as part of the WWOOF scheme, if you are interested in volunteering please see our profile on the WWOOF UK site.
We also welcome visitors by appointment, and hold occasional open days and workshops, follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date.
Please contact us at [email protected] for more info or to find out more about a slow and sustainable Permaculture inspired holiday! You can also find us on sustainable holiday planner Holiable.com. Look out for details of events on our Facebook page @BIPASCOTLAND.