The Bergwaldprojekt workcamp is the basic type of assignment,
and the backbone of the Bergwaldprojekt. The first workcamp was
held in 1987, in Malans, canton of Graubünden, under the motto:
“They all talk about the forest – we go there!”.
Participants are attended by the local forestry services together
with experienced group leaders. Lodging, meals and project guidance
is financed by the Bergwaldprojekt. Men and women between 18 and
88 are welcome to participate. Workcamp last from Sunday afternoon
to Saturday morning. Group size varies between 10 and 25 volunteers.
Assignments 2012
Worth knowing about your assignment
Commitment
A typical Bergwaldprojekt work week is no holiday job nor
for late risers and would look like this: arriving on Sunday
afternoon, foot march to the lodging (luggage is usually transported
by a vehicle), settle in, slide presentation and introducing
yourselves. Monday to Friday: get up at 6, copious breakfast,
work in the mountain forest, which includes a half-day excursion
as well as clearing the table after dinner and washing-up.
At the end of the week, maintenance of working tools and cleaning
of lodging. Feedback round, travel home on Saturday morning.
Work
The forest dynamics allow no long term forecast of the work
to be done; the jobs will be decided upon right before the
work week begins, according to the needs of the forest. Possible
tasks such as construction of trails, bulkheads, protections
and fences against wildlife browsing, tending of the forest
or the biotope, planting, or clearing stump areas are instructed
by experienced group leaders and trained project leaders.
Lodging
Lodging is mainly in very simple alpine or forest cabins,
or vacation centre houses. They are remote and usually without
warm water and electricity. It might be necessary to sleep
in tents. Lodging of the somewhat more comfortable type usually
have electricity as well as showers.
Meals
We serve wholemeals. Lunch consists of a soup prepared upon
a fire in the forest.
Equipment
The basic equipment consists of warm clothes suitable for
mountain climate, including spares for rainy days. Two pairs
of heavy mountain boots are imperative, as well as a good
anorak, sleeping bag, pocket torch, and thermos flask.
Prerequisite
No forestry knowledge is required. Unless specified otherwise,
men and women between 18 and 88 can participate. Travel and
insurance are payable by the participants.
Costs
A Bergwaldprojekt workcamp is free of charge.
Language
Projects will be held in German. The projects in Champéry,
Trient and Blonay are in French.
Do you like to recommend the Bergwaldprojekt ? E-Mail
us and we send you a documentation.
