Work

The small town of Trassem is located in the border triangle of France, Germany and Luxembourg, in the heart of Europe. With your help, we are continuing to build the various components of the natural history station, the “Trassem Forest Experience Center”. The focus is on work such as the completion of natural dry stone walls. Together with young people from the region, you will maintain the forest adventure trail and the attractive freeride and mountain bike trails. You will also carry out a wide range of work in the surrounding forests and orchards. Not only can you learn a lot about the consequences of climate change for the forest and nature, but you can also take part in a wide range of nature activities and play an active role in shaping them. Studypart: In addition to the practical and theoretical discussions on the topic of forests and climate change, we would also like to take up the idea of the European Union in this ESC Camp. Due to the location to France and Luxembourg, we are also planning an excursion to Schengen and a guided tour.

Partner

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education. Follow us on Instagram ijgd_workcamps Facebook @ijgd.workcamps

Location

Camp location: Trassem, Rhineland-Palatinate; Saarburg 4 km, Trier 30 km, Luxemburg City 40 km, France 20 km Trassem is close to the beautiful wine town of Saarburg with its historic castle ruins and picturesque old town with waterfall. In addition to interesting sights, Saarburg also offers numerous leisure activities, such as street cafés, an outdoor pool and a bird of prey park. It is possible to go canoeing on the Saar and rock climbing in the steep cliffs of the Saar valley. There are also many excursion possibilities to Trier, Saarbrücken, Luxembourg and France.

Accomodation

You live in the community center of the local community of Trassem. You cook together. You will be provided with money for shopping. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.

Meeting point

Meeting point and time: Directly at the accomodation at the latest 18h Directions to Meeting Point: From Saarbrücken airport, take the R10 bus to Saarbrücken main station. From here, take the train to Saarburg station. From Monday to Friday, take bus line 203 (direction Perl/Besch) or 205 (direction Orscholz) to the bus stop "Trassem - Saarburger Strasse (Ortsmitte)". Walk back along "Saarburger Strasse" for about 250 m in the direction of Saarburg and then turn left into the street "Im Zinnbach" at the paint and varnish shop Baumann. Follow this small street uphill straight ahead and after 150 m you will reach the car park at the community centre and the main entrance

Notes:

Active participation in the workshops is required. This is an ESC project, more precisely a volunteering team, which is supported by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Commission. There are some significant financial and administrative differences compared to the usual workcamp: PLEASE NOTE: This project is open to 18-30-year-old participants from Germany and other ESC partner countries - You do not have to pay any (participation) fees to participate in the project - You must be present for the entire duration of the camp in order to be reimbursed your pocket money (7€/day) for common leisure activities as well as travel expenses. The maximum amount of financial support for your travel expenses depends on the distance traveled and the presentation of original tickets. - Volunteers must complete a participation report, which is submitted online via the ESC portal. This project is funded by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Commission

Work

Active for climate protection and biodiversity – save the peatlands in the Hunsrück area. You will actively contribute to protecting some special peatlands, which are situated on the slopes of the lower mountain range called “Hunsrück”. These areas were drained more than 100 years ago for forestry use but they are a valuable and natural Co2 storage. Therefore the revitalisation of these peatlands was started, Under the supervision of a Park Ranger you will improve the water balance in the moor areas in order to renature the moors, and also to help the moors to arrange better with the consequences of climate change . The measures will include closing some ditches as well as other small interventions to control the water flow. The work is expected to take place in two different Hunsrück peatland areas: A peatland forest area near the tiny village of Hochscheid and an area of open moorland near Morbach. As this one moor has been opened up for tourism, one task might be the closure of a ditch under a footbridge used along a hiking trail. This will make the revitalised moor more visible for hikers and offers the opportunity for environmental education activities. During the work and on some excursions, the park ranger will introduce you to many aspects of the ecological background. Attention: The work might be physically hard and you will get wet and muddy for sure! Please bring hiking boots, rubber boots and working clothes.

Partner

This workcamp is based on the cooperation between IBG and the regional “Foundation for Nature and environment”. We have been working together since 2016, organising one or two international Workcamps per year in the field of nature protection.

Location

The workcamp will take places in the western part of Rhineland-Palatinate. You will stay in Deuselbach, a small village with 260 inhabitants. The local villagers are very much interested to welcome you, many parties and events will happen. Deuselbach has a pub but no shops. The next bigger village (Thalfang) is 5km far, here you can find everything you need (shops, swimming pool…). There are also many tourists in the area as it is well known for hiking all over the year and for skiing in winter. The next bigger city it Trier (40 km), the oldest Germany city with many Roman sights, a huge cathedral and plenty of this to do (vineyard, shopping, clubs…). You will do several excursions with the support of the Park Rangers, e.g. to Trier, the oldest German city with many famous sights.

Accomodation

You will stay in the community centre of Deuselbach. The accommodation is spacious, has a huge kitchen including a dish-washer and a living room, toilets and showers. There is one big sleeping room with camping beds. Wifi and even a washing machine are available. Please bring your sleeping bag. 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.

Meeting point

You will be picked up from the bus stop called “Hunsrückhaus/Erbeskopf, Hilscheid”. Please inform your campleader about your arrival time on Aug 10th . Please check for connections from anywhere to Deuselbach www.bahn.com There are regular busses to this bus stop from the train stations of Idar-Oberstein, Trier and Neubrücke(Nahe). International bus stops: suitable international bus stops are in Mainz, Saarbrucken and Trier Most suitable airports: Frankfurt (FRA), Luxembourg (LUX)

Notes:

This is a special project for nature lovers and people interested in nature protection work. You will get wet and dirty. 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.

Work

Your work will include different activities in a natural park like to build an apiary, to help farmers or similar works. Your help is also needed for maintenance works, e.g. on orchid meadows, in forests or on a bird island. This project is especially for nature lovers. Please be prepared to work 5-6 hours a day. Volunteers should come prepared for light or heavy work and be motivated for anything to help the rangers of the Nature Reserve.

Partner

www.naturpark-nossentiner-schwinzer-heide.de

Location

Area: The project is located in the nature reserve "Nossentiner Schwinzer Heide" in the northeast of Germany. You can find many beautiful lakes and dense forests there. The nearest bigger place is Krakow am See. The place is remote, but the surrounding nature is beautiful. Be prepared to spend two weeks in nature without shopping opportunities. Leisure Time: The nature reserve can be explored on foot, by bike or by boat. In the area there are many beautiful lakes where you can swim. There is a possibility to participate in guided tours through the forest or learn about the endangered animals of the region. Also a trip to a bigger city or to the Baltic Sea can be planned. The activities are discussed in the group and will be decided together.

Accomodation

Accommodation: You will live on a camping site close to a very nice lake. You will sleep in tents (2 persons per tent) on camping beds with mattresses. Please bring a sleeping bag and bed linen. If it will rain you can sleep in a building. A kitchen, sanitary facilities and a big meeting room are provided on the camping site. A washing machine can be used. Please be aware, that there is only limited internet connection! You will live on a camping site close to a very nice lake. You will sleep in a 2-person tent equipped with a camping bed with a mattress. Please bring a sleeping bag and bedding. In case of rain there will be a possibility to sleep in the main building, which is located on the same property. On the campsite are available: a kitchen, sanitary facilities, a washing machine, a large meeting room and a roofed terrace. Please note that there is limited internet connection! Food: The volunteers will prepare their own meals. It would be nice, if you bring some recipes and maybe special spices for easy cooking from your home countries.

Requirements

Please be fully vaccinated (2 to 3 shots of one of the following vaccines: BioNtech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson&Johnson) or recovered (date of infection must be min. 28 days old and max. 90 days old).

Notes:

Only limited Wi-Fi available.

Work

Invasive Species Control: Apply techniques to manage invasive alien species threatening natural areas.Biodiversity Protection: Protect biodiversity niches and manage pedestrian trails.Conservation Efforts: Assist with the conservation efforts in the private protected area Vale das Amoreiras as well as in the south-west of Portugal(Aljezur, Rogil, etc.) and other natural ecosystems.

Partner

Our Forest Conservation program focuses on developing and implementing actions that promote the ecological recovery of degraded areas through the restoration of native forests and species.What to Expect:Ecosystem Restoration: Participate in projects aimed at enhancing natural heritage, reducing environmental damage, and promoting biodiversity.Community Engagement: Work alongside local volunteers, coordinators, and community members to create a visible impact and raise awareness about forest conservation.Seasonal Activities: Learn about different areas and forests, and take various actions depending on the time of year, such as planting, maintenance, and invasive species control.

Location

The Vale das Amoreiras Private Protected Area (APPVA) in Aljezur is part of the national network of protected areas.The Private Protected Area covers 10.8 hectares and is almost entirely an oak grove of deciduous species and a cork oak forest.In addition to the APPVA, we will also be working in the Vale dos Homens pine forest, where a LIFE project aims to improve the conservation status of the Juniper trees (Juniperus spp.) in Portugal s coastal dunes.

Accomodation

The volunteers will stay overnight in an old school that has been transformed and equipped to receive volunteers from all over the world. It is equipped with full bathrooms.Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided by RWSW, with the possibility of choosing vegetarian menus.

Requirements

You must respect other volunteers, not discriminating against races, religions, genders...No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.You have to bring sunscreens, caps, sunglasses, water bottles, sleeping bags, hygiene articles, towels, camping mats (optional).

Meeting point

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Work

SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impactThe camp is based at Alviora, which offers a range of activities to connect people with nature, such as community gardens, wildlife workshops, school programs, and hikes. As part of the camp, volunteers help maintain the center through tasks like gardening, renovating the house and other projects such as removing old fences to protect wildlife, marking walking paths, and potentially do forestry work like trimming or planting trees.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their home countries and be ready to spend time outdoors. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Solheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blai Herinn (the Blue Army).

Location

he accommodation is located an hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view of Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions began in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found throughout the area, which is a popular attraction among both foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education centre. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers sleep in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel.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.

Requirements

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on September 3 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR euro400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Work

This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking medium to long distances during the cleanups, and during other activities such as sightseeing. Since a part of the project happens outdoors, volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

The Environmental Awareness and amp; Action project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners. SEEDS collaborates with the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, the City of ReykjavEk, and several local stakeholders on a project to clean up the Icelandic coastline. Partners include the Blue Army, an organisation dedicated to the cause of coastal cleaning, SORPA, the waste collection and amp; management entity in the capital area, and Whales of Iceland, an exhibit showcasing life-size models of whales and porpoises to educate the public about their lives and the impact of human activity on their existence.This camp allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining outdoor cleanup tasks. These cleanup tasks may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or run solely by SEEDS. We also aim to involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will learn how to plan and carry out their own trash cleaning projects back at home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been achieved with volunteers. Volunteers can choose one of the two options below, included as hands-on volunteering activity in the camp:A day trip combining a visit to the HellisheiE(i geothermal power plant, a trash collection in the area, and the Hot River Hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. A day trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula, combined with a coastal cleanup in the area.Please note that all activities are subject to weather conditions and the availability of our partners.

Location

ReykjavEk is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The worlds northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, situated between Europe and North America. ReykjavEk 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 volunteers stay in a house in ReykjavEk. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Accommodation is in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own towel. 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.

Requirements

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Meeting point

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on September 3 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will receive instructions on how to reach the camp on their own. Those arriving earlier on the same day are welcome in the SEEDS office to drop off their luggage from 10:00 am.

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes food, accommodation, transport from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), activities, and one trip combined with the trash collection (Hot River or Reykjanes).Additional excursions (eg. Golden Circle or the South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of participants interested in joining them.Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Work

Come and discover the legendary Templar town of La Couvertoirade! In the heart of an enchanting natural setting, on the Larzac plateau, stands this medieval town, proud of its 1,000 years of history, welcoming you to its ramparts. The association ‘Les amis de la Couvertoirade’ wants to carry out this first workcamp to restore an old path between the town and the old mill on the hill. Your mission as a knight, if you accept it, will be to work on the path so that walkers can use it in complete safety. Set out to conquer this old medieval path and make yourself useful to the town!

Partner

Founded in 1968, ‘Les amis de la Couvertoirade’ aims to help safeguard the historical, landscape and human heritage of the town of La Courvertoirade and to promote its cultural and historical life. One of its major achievements has been the restoration of the old mill, which it is putting back into operation with an event called ‘Les enfarinades’, which you are invited to attend.

Location

The medieval town of La Couvertoirade is located on the Larzac plateau in Aveyron. Surrounded by legends and a history of chivalry, La Couvertoirade, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France, awaits you in an area classified as a World Heritage Site. In the heart of its narrow streets, and at the bend of its artists' stalls, it might just reveal its secrets to you... Whether you're a nature lover or a history buff, you can take part in the many outdoor leisure activities on offer on the site.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in the heart of the medieval town. You will sleep in individual tents (bring your own sleeping bag and mat).In case of bad weather it’ll be possible to sleep in the communal room. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders and you will help with the shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to vegetarian, healthy and local products.

Requirements

Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Meeting point

Caylar bus station at 17:00

Notes:

Remember to bring gloves, clothes and shoes for work. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good warm sleeping bag. It is strongly recommended that you are able to swim, if you wish to enjoy the river. Feel free to bring something you would like to share with others (a speciality from your country, a musical instrument, an object from your culture etc.)

Work

Come and discover the legendary Templar town of La Couvertoirade! In the heart of an enchanting natural setting, on the Larzac plateau, stands this medieval town, proud of its 1,000 years of history, welcoming you to its ramparts. The association ‘Les amis de la Couvertoirade’ wants to carry out this first workcamp to restore an old path between the town and the old mill on the hill. Your mission as a knight, if you accept it, will be to work on the path so that walkers can use it in complete safety. Set out to conquer this old medieval path and make yourself useful to the town!

Partner

Founded in 1968, ‘Les amis de la Couvertoirade’ aims to help safeguard the historical, landscape and human heritage of the town of La Courvertoirade and to promote its cultural and historical life. One of its major achievements has been the restoration of the old mill, which it is putting back into operation with an event called ‘Les enfarinades’, which you are invited to attend.

Location

The medieval town of La Couvertoirade is located on the Larzac plateau in Aveyron. Surrounded by legends and a history of chivalry, La Couvertoirade, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France, awaits you in an area classified as a World Heritage Site. In the heart of its narrow streets, and at the bend of its artists' stalls, it might just reveal its secrets to you... Whether you're a nature lover or a history buff, you can take part in the many outdoor leisure activities on offer on the site.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in the heart of the medieval town. You will sleep in individual tents (bring your own sleeping bag and mat).In case of bad weather it’ll be possible to sleep in the communal room. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders and you will help with the shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to vegetarian, healthy and local products.

Requirements

Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country. This project is supported by the program European Solidarity Corps for young people between 18 and 30 years. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria. The participation to the ESC volunteering teams is subjects to several principles and conditions, presented on the ESC webpage: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en Volunteers do not have to pay any fee (no sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project; Volunteers need to enroll in the PASS, the European Solidarity Corps Portal; Concordia France will organise their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project; Volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of 7€/day, once they arrive on the project in France; Volunteers will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets; Volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online through the portal.

Meeting point

Caylar bus station at 17:00

Notes:

Remember to bring gloves, clothes and shoes for work. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good warm sleeping bag. It is strongly recommended that you are able to swim, if you wish to enjoy the river. Feel free to bring something you would like to share with others (a speciality from your country, a musical instrument, an object from your culture etc.)

Work

Nature conservation in the city? You might think that there is no room for nature in the city between concrete and tarmac. But if you take a closer look, you are often amazed at what lives there. Where people work, dwell and live, small nature conservation gems are hidden. Come with us to a sand dune in Gifhorn. It is slowly becoming overgrown with shrubs that need to be removed to preserve the habitat of species such as silver grass and sand sedge, which love dry and nutrient-poor conditions. The route then continues into a residential area where there is a wetland biotope. This is a refuge for peat mosses and dragonflies, but ducks also breed here from time to time. It was fenced off to protect it from trespassers. The fence is now very fragile and will be dismantled with your help so that a new fence can be erected. The rivers in the urban area are also special habitats that connect different biotopes. Unfortunately, due to high water and careless people, rubbish often ends up in the waters, which can also be dangerous for other nature reserves. So get in the boats! From the river, rubbish must be removed from the water and from the embankments. The staff of the Environment Department will guide and support you in this work. Your programme will also include an information day on wildlife in natural waters.

Partner

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education. Follow us on Instagram ijgd_workcamps Facebook @ijgd.workcamps Project hosts are the Department of Environment and Department of youth work of the District Gifhorn

Location

A playground and a football pitch are available directly on site. The surrounding area invites you to go hiking, cycling and canoeing. You can meet young people at the youth centre and spend time there at events and concerts in the evenings. Other leisure activities are swimming, bowling or canoeing. The mill museum and the castle museum are well worth a visit. On Fridays there are sports activities such as football and climbing in the neighbouring sports hall. ‘Gifhorn International’ a cultural festival with various stands (food and information from all over the world) will take place in the town centre on 13 September. Trip to Hannover, Wolfsburg or Braunschweig at the weekend.

Accomodation

Seminar house in the city centre. Multi-bed rooms, group room, well-equipped kitchen. Right next door, the neighbouring youth centre ‘Die Grille’ offers leisure activities such as an internet café and table football, cosy seating areas and a beautiful outdoor area for relaxing. Shopping facilities are just a few minutes’ walk away. You will cook together. Money for food will be provided. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please state any intolerances during registration.

Requirements

Fitness for physically demanding work. Closeness to nature. You must be able to ride a bike. You must be able to swim.

Meeting point

Meeting point and time: at the train station in Gifhorn. A minibus will be waiting there at 16:30 and 18:30 to take you to the accommodation

Notes:

Please note: INTERNATIONAL volunteers under 18 who apply for this camp have to pay a special teenage fee of 150€ to ijgd (more information after your regsitration)

Work

Nature conservation in great surroundings and sightseeing in the big city! - You can experience both at this camp on the outskirts of the metropolis of Hamburg. You will be working in the Hoeltigbaum nature reserve, a former military training area. A varied mosaic of different habitats has developed on the Hoeltigbaum during and after the last ice age. The result is a variety of old succession stages consisting of open soils, grasslands, fringing meadows and some woodland with many rare and endangered animal and plant species. Where tanks once travelled, there is now vast savannah-like grassland where flocks of sheep, goats and Galloway cattle graze all year round. Grazing keeps the areas open, prevents scrub encroachment and preserves biodiversity. You support the animal "lawnmowers" in their work and remove plants such as bracken, lupins, ragwort and small birch trees to prepare the ground for the underlying and displaced heathland. This is an important contribution to nature conservation work, as heavy machinery would destroy the sensitive heathland. The work takes place on the pastures in the nature reserve. However, the grazing animals have plenty of space to hide and are rarely visible. However, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the cattle and sheep at work. In addition to the practical work, you will learn a lot about nature and environmental protection in general and the nature conservation concept of a semi-open pasture landscape in particular from the employees of the House of Wild Pastures (Haus der Wilden Weiden). You will learn a lot about the local flora and fauna, year-round grazing and cattle and sheep farming in the area of landscape conservation. Information (unfortunately only in German) about the Hoeltigbaum nature reserve and the House of Wild Pastures (Haus der Wilden Weiden) can be found here: www.hoeltigbaum.de

Partner

The "House of Wild Willows" is a place of environmental education for day-care centres, schools, families and adult groups. However, the house is not only a place of learning, but the staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the neighbouring nature reserve "Hoeltigbaum". In order to preserve and develop the species and habitat diversity, the largest part of the nature reserve has been managed for more than 20 years according to the "semi-open pasture landscape" method, an extensive year-round grazing with various grazing animals. The care of these cattle, sheep and goats is also the task of the "House of Wild Willows". The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education. Follow us on Instagram ijgd_workcamps Facebook @ijgd.workcamps

Location

Your work location is in the Hamburg district of Rahlstedt and your accommodation is in the city centre of Ahrensburg. From both locations, you can reach the Hamburg city centre within 30 minutes by public transport (tickets will be provided). So you can stay in Hamburg right after work and explore the many sights and leisure activities. www.hamburg.de (German) / www.hamburg.com (English) Or you can visit Ahrensburg Castle and its park, including a disc golf course, which are both just 1 km from your accommodation. At the weekend, trips to the beaches on the Baltic coast, for example near Lübeck, are well worthwhile.

Accomodation

You will stay in two adjoining flats. The front flat has 8 beds in four open-plan 2-bed rooms. The rear flat has 8 beds in one 6-bed room and one 2-bed room. Both flats have a kitchen, a lounge and sanitary facilities. The flats are located in the centre of Ahrensburg near the train station. You cater for yourselves and cook together. You will be provided with money for shopping. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.

Requirements

Fitness and readiness for physically strenuous and monotonous work; it is essential to bring work clothes for rain and cold, but also for sun and heat as well as, and (waterproofed) shoes; you will travel 30 minutes by public transport (tickets will be provided) to the nature reserve;

Meeting point

Meeting point and time: at accommodation until 6 pm on Saturday 06/09/2025 From Hamburg airport take S-Bahn S1 (direction Wedel or Hamburg-Blankenese) to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg main train station, about 24 min travel time). The S1 is running every 10min. From Hamburg main station At Hauptbahnhof (main train station) you have to take the train R80 or R81 in direction of „Lübeck“, “Bad Oldesloe” or “Bargteheide”. Trains are running every 20-30 minutes. After travelling for 18-22 minutes, you should get off at the station “Ahrensburg”. From Ahrensburg Bahnhof (train station) You leave the main station through the main exit in the direction of the city centre. In front of the station, turn right along Bahnhofsstr. After approx. 200 metres, the road turns slightly to the left, crosses a bridge over a large, multi-lane road and continues with the street name "Hagener Allee". After approx. 300m you cross a short pedestrian zone (approx. 50m) and then you continue straight ahead along "Große Str." for 100m. You will find yourself in a large square with trees and parked cars and turn right into Königstr. After approx. 150m you will reach house no. 4 on the right-hand side, where you turn left next to the house into the driveway at the back to your two apartments. More Information about train and bus connections: www.bahn.com.

Notes:

Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who applied under 18 in this camp. You will receive more information after your confirming registration with the specigic infosheet for your project.