Work

Help to improve the health and lifespan of trees and contribute to increasing biodiversity. You will work with the other volunteers on an extensively used orchard with over 100 different fruit trees. These fruit orchards have characterised the landscape for centuries and are still used today for both fruit (apples and pears) and hay. Your task is to cut off branches. You will receive a detailed introduction, as there is a lot to consider. You will be equipped with tools and climb ladders to reach the uppermost parts of the tree. There are probably still a few fruits hanging on the trees, so your task would be to harvest these first. The task is super important as trimming trees increases their lifespan and old trees are a perfect habitat for various animals. In general orchard meadows play an outstanding role for biodiversity in Central Europe and are important for the future. They are among the most species-rich habitats in Central Europe. You will work five days per week, two days off.

Partner

This workcamp is based on the cooperation between IBG and the „Naturpark Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald“ including the local forestry administration. This project is brand new and a real rarity.

Location

The workcamp will take place in a single settlement approx. 10 km west of Schwäbisch Hall. The landscape in this area is very beautiful! It is dominated by forests, steep hills. Only small hamlets interrupt the nature, which makes it a perfect region for plenty of different species but also for hiking. You will really feel different here! At your accommodation is a barbecue area, several hiking trails, a special cultural landscape trail and a swimming lake (if it's still warm enough) that can be reached on a short hike. You can also reach a lot by bus: There is a brewery that can be visited; the old town of Schwäbisch Hall has museums, shops and some traditional German historical buildings.

Accomodation

You will spend the night on a youth campsite about 50 metres from the orchard (run by the local forestry administration). It will be an outdoor adventure, because in October the weather is already very autumnal, which means it can also rain, the temperatures drop and the hours of sunshine become fewer. There will be showers and toilets in a house, as well as a barn where you can set up your lounge. If it pours with rain, you can also spend the night here if necessary. There is an outdoor gas cooker for cooking. You don't need to bring a tent, but you do need a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, warm, weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes. So if you want to be active in increasing biodiversity, love nature and enjoy simple accommodation, almost like a kind of survival camp, then this work camp is perfect for you. Your group of volunteers will be responsible for grocery shopping and cooking together. The food will be bought with the camp budget and everybody will take turns for cooking, washing the dishes and cleaning. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and try more sustainable dishes.

Requirements

Bring a warm sleeping bag (pillow if needed), a sleeping mat, warm, weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Please be aware that ticks can be an issue when you spend a lot of time outdoors in natural areas in Germany - like in this camp. In our General Infosheet you will find suggestions on how you can protect yourself against them. You are also welcome to check whether a vaccination against the tick-borne disease TBE makes sense and is possible in your home country

Meeting point

You can check for connections from anywhere to „Baierbach Abzw., Michelfeld“ on: www.bahn.com/en

Notes:

This project is really for adventurers and nature lovers who want to try out living in nature and with nature even in German autumn. You will be outside a lot, there will be campfires, improvised cooking, hikes and special nature experiences. *Please be aware that ticks can be an issue when you spend a lot of time outdoors in natural areas in Germany - like in this camp. In our General Infosheet you will find suggestions on how you can protect yourself against them. You are also welcome to check whether a vaccination against the tick-borne disease TBE makes sense and is possible in your home country.*

Descrizione

Supporting a local festival related to Shintoism to activate local people and to hand over traditions to the next generation!

Work

Volunteers will mainly prepare and join the local festival. Cut bamboos to make lanterns and some small tools to be used in the festival. Volunteers will also need to practice traditional music in every evening with local people to play and walk around the village at the festival. Volunteers will also organize a program in the elementary school to promoting both inter-cultural learning and also, the festival to the children.You can get the knowledge about Japanese traditional festivals and customs.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with the local group, “executive committee of Light and Tradition festival” since 2011. Recently, aging and depopulation of the area is getting very serious as well as many other rural villages in Japan. They expect the workcamp to activate local traditional festivals related to Shintoism, which is Japanese traditional religion. This event is combined with 2 events called “Bamboo Lantern Festival” and "Gaku-uchi" which locals play Japanese drums and flute with walking around the village to wish for the productiveness of grain. Local people want us to know their traditional cultures to be succeeded to the next generation.

Location

Misato-town is located in the middle of the Shimane prefecture, famous for Iwami silver mine as a world heritage. There is hot spa, some famous shrine as origin of Shintoism. Japanese Shinto music and dance, home staying, lecture about traditional cultures.

Accomodation

Local community center. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. There is a shower room.

Requirements

Interested in Japanese old culture, positive attitude to communication with local people

Meeting point

The nearest int'l airport is Kansai (Osaka). From Osaka to the meeting point in Shimane, it takes 6.5 hours by highway bus and train. Volunteers are recommended to arrive there one day before workcamp starts. Hiroshima airport is also available by take a flight from Kansai airport, it takes about 4 hours to the meeting point by train and bus. Volunteers need to arrive at the meeting point by 13:00 on first day and can leave there after 13:00 on last day.

Work

The aim of the camp is the afforestation of a mountainous region. Within the scope of this work, it is planned to uproot the dried saplings in the areas designated for afforestation and transport the saplings to the areas for planting new ones.

Partner

Yeşil Zara Gönüllüleri Derneği is consists of people who came together to plant tree the Sivas/Zara region. They also meet for activities such as feeding stray animals during the winter months and performing choir practices for special days.

Location

Sivas is the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey and is one of the oldest and most important conservation areas of the region. The distance between Sivas and Zara district is 64 km. The camp will be held in Zara, but participants can plan to visit Sivas on their free days. The costs of the activities planned outside Zara belong to the volunteers.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in a flats located in Zara. 3 meals a day are provided by local people.

Requirements

Please don’t forget to bring suitable shoes and clothes for work.

Meeting point

The meeting point is Sivas Airport.

Work

The mornings of the 2 weeks will be devoted to wood construction and fitting-out the association's premises. On the programme, we'll be using pallets to build furniture for the café. You'll also be able to find out about and take part in the various activities organised by the community café, a convivial meeting place designed to be a place for sharing, welcoming, eating out, passing on knowledge and innovating.

Partner

Nestled in the hollow of a green valley, the town of St Amand de Coly is located in the heart of the Périgord Noir, a territory rich in history! Composed of two former municipalities that decided o join forces to form one. The commune is home to the Ecocycle association, a third-party organisation that is developing a participatory activity project in the commune of Saint Amand de Coly and the surrounding area. These activities are strongly influenced by concerns about climate change. After major renovation work, a building made available by the local authority is now coming into being. You will help the association and its volunteers to prepare the building to welcome its members. You'll discover the local people's sense of welcome and the charm of the countryside and heritage, as you work with the other volunteers and the organisers to organise your programme of activities.

Location

Location : Coly - St Amand is located in Périgord Noir, 10 km from the caves of Lascaux, between Périgueux and Brive. Leisure activities: Site visits, nature activities, you will build your own entertainment program with the animators and the other participants. We favor a discovery of the territory and these actors over consumption activities.

Accomodation

You will be welcomed at the Vieux logis de Saint Amand. Sleeping accommodation in rooms of 2 to 3 people. Meals will be cooked and eaten collectively, so you can take it in turns to prepare some tasty dishes, so come along with your own recipes.

Meeting point

Reception on the day of arrival at the end of the afternoon at Condat-Le Lardin train station.

Work

The aim of this project is to build an ecological pond on the permaculture garden of the Maison des Bateleurs. Guided by our technical staff and with the help of the house volunteers team, you will learn not only how to build the pond, but also how the different animal and vegetal species interact inside the freshwater environment and their connection with the permaculture garden.

Partner

Every year, by hosting volunteers and international workcamps, this commune of 3,000 habitants works to restore its heritage and promote intercultural exchanges. Montendre is home to one of Solidarités Jeunesses' international centers: the Maison des Bateleurs. La Maison des Bateleurs is a Non-formal Education association that defends the ideas of living and doing together for a concrete peacebuilding action, promoting intercultural encounter. This International Welcome Centre, welcomes throughout the year 8 to 10 young volunteers (short and long term ESC, French and international civic service), as well as young French and internationals (individually or in groups) on our actions and projects of young volunteers.

Location

Located a few hundred meters from the festival in Montendre, the house provides all necessary amenities: showers, kitchen, garden, bamboo grove, etc. The pond work will take place in the mornings, whilst the afternoons will be dedicated to different activities around the Montendre area and to visit some of the locations of environmental or cultural interest in nearby zone. Also there will be free time planned during the week ends to allow you to discover some of the most unique sites in the region as La Rochelle and Bordeaux.

Accomodation

You will sleep in a dormitory in the big International Maison des Bateleurs, where you will share daily life with international volunteers welcomed under the ESC (European Solidarity Corps). Food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner (you have a food budget that the leaders will manage and communicate with you throughout the workcamp). Meals are prepared by you, in turn, by forming cooking teams. Take your best recipes with you! As Solidarités Jeunesses is willing to protect the environment, you may not eat meat everyday. Of course, if you have any dietary restrictions or needs, don't forget to tell us about it so that meals can be adapted to you.

Requirements

Project open to European citizens and third-country associated

Meeting point

The meeting point will be La Maison des Bateleurs, 4 avenue de Onda, 17130 Montendre. You have to go to the station of Montendre (17130) and then walk 10 minutes to the Maison des Bateleurs

Work

SEEDS’ programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as stunning natural attractions in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing. Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. In this project SEEDS will organise a night photography and aurora hunting (Northern Lights) workshop in the city or in the vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon depending on solar activity and meteorological conditions; we cannot guarantee you will see northern lights, but the night photography workshop will be organised anyway.

Partner

During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global & local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you! While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers & travellers! You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a geothermal power plant, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an outdoor Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, as well as availability or restrictions of our partner organisations. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Location

Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Meeting point

The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on October 29 at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Work

SEEDS’ programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as stunning natural attractions in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing. Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. In this project SEEDS will organise a night photography and aurora hunting (Northern Lights) workshop in the city or in the vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon depending on solar activity and meteorological conditions; we cannot guarantee you will see northern lights, but the night photography workshop will be organised anyway.

Partner

During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global & local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you! While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers & travellers! You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a geothermal power plant, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an outdoor Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, as well as availability or restrictions of our partner organisations. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Location

Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Meeting point

The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on November 08 at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Work

SEEDS’ programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as stunning natural attractions in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing. Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. In this project SEEDS will organise a night photography and aurora hunting (Northern Lights) workshop in the city or in the vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon depending on solar activity and meteorological conditions; we cannot guarantee you will see northern lights, but the night photography workshop will be organised anyway.

Partner

During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global & local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you! While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers & travellers! You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a geothermal power plant, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an outdoor Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, as well as availability or restrictions of our partner organisations. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Location

Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Meeting point

The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on November 18 at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Work

Volunteers will work on different environmental projects. At the London Wildlife Trust completing practical conservation tasks in the beautiful Sydenham and Dulwich Woods, working alongside local volunteers. Work will be physical and it will be cold and possibly wet so please come prepared with waterproof clothing and good boots. London Wildlife Trust is an urban nature conservation charity working to improve London's green spaces for people and wildlife. Volunteers will also be working in nearby Dulwich Park with the local authority parks department.

Partner

A group of 6 international volunteers are invited to spend 10 days in South London. But it won’t feel as if you are in a city: volunteers will stay at a Scout Centre in the midst of woodland with no houses in sight! Dulwich is a pleasant, quiet corner of London.

Location

Visits to local projects of interest will be organised. There will be a free weekend when there will be a chance to visit London.

Accomodation

South London Scout Centre has bunk beds and central heating. Sleeping bags and working clothes and shoes will be needed. The group will cook meals at the centre.

Meeting point

They will be provided in the Info Sheet. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Volunteers will arrive on Sunday, November 24th and depart on Monday, December 20nd. If you want to visit London or go shopping arrange to arrive earlier or stay after the camp.

Notes:

HOSTING FEE: It is expensive to stay in London so we have to charge a hosting fee of £160 GBP for the 10 days. This will pay for the accommodation and a basic budget for food. The fee should be paid upon arrival in cash.

Work

SEEDS’ programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as stunning natural attractions in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing. Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. In this project SEEDS will organise a night photography and aurora hunting (Northern Lights) workshop in the city or in the vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon depending on solar activity and meteorological conditions; we cannot guarantee you will see northern lights, but the night photography workshop will be organised anyway.

Partner

During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global & local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you! While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers & travellers! You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a geothermal power plant, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an outdoor Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, as well as availability or restrictions of our partner organisations. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Location

Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Meeting point

The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on November 27 at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.