Maintain vitality of Alpine biodiversity (Villars-sur-Ollon VD)
Description: The Alpes Vaudoises are a group of mountains in the Swiss Alps located in the cantons of Vaud, Valais and Bern. This region is considered by the WWF Switzerland and the Alpes Vivantes Association as one of the hotspots for biodiversity in the entire Alps. The Alpes Vivantes association is involved in concrete maintenance activities in the Alpes Vaudoises such as cutting invasive species and green alders bushes. The long-term goal is to enhance the biological richness and ecologically valuable habitats of the Alpes Vaudoises, by managing projects within a regional organisation. The Alpes Vivantes Association applies a sustainable approach to nature conservation, by implementing projects in collaboration with regional partners. Alpes Vivantes manages actions in rural, forest and urban areas.
Type of Work: The ecosystems of the area are fragile, as a species of tree commonly called "verne" colonises the pastures. Once these plants are established, birds such as hazel grouse, black grouse and woodcock, which need a habitat rich in clearings and food, no longer feel at ease. The volunteers will take part in a workcamp to remove invasive or undesirable plants such as green alders (Alnus viridis) and to maintain mountain pastures. Thanks to their commitment, the volunteers will work for fragile ecosystems that are home to sensitive species such as black grouse, grouse and deer. During hard rainy days activities to support the management of Alpes Vivantes activities will be proposed (mailing, creation of educational games, …).
Study Theme: Participants will have the opportunity to experience the reality of mountain farmers in the Swiss Alps, to broaden their knowledge of ecological relationships, the values of important habitats for endangered species. Proposition of study themes: Sharing of information on nature conservation actions and on citizens’ science approaches in Alps regions / Applied field botany courses and bird watching walks (see app Flower Walks) / Discovery of new technologies and techniques for sustainable neophyte control. Study topics will be addapted according to participants' expectations.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in a cottage at 1800 m.a.s.l. It is a great place in a mountain area reachable by train. The cottage is well equipped with a fitted kitchen, shower facilities with warm water and toilets. It is required to bring a sleeping bag and a bed sheet (90x190cm). There is no washing machine available. The internet connection is not available in the cottage and there is no Wi-Fi. Be prepared to spend some time without your phone. The volunteers will buy the food and cook on their own. Support by the workcamp hosting partner can be provided.
Language: The volunteers among themselves and with the workcamp hosting partner will communicate in English. French is the local language, the workcamp hosting partner also speaks German.
Requirements: Be physically fit, show an interest in nature conservation actions and enjoy walking. Be prepared to spend some time without your phone. Bring a sleeping bag, a bed sheet (90x190cm) and good hiking/trekking shoes.
INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE: for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/
Min. 5 volunteers that workcamp takes place.
Notes: Max. 2 minor volunteers can be accepted.
Camp is open to volunteers with children: 2 children are accepted , minimal age is 8 (work is physically demanding and in the mountains). Children are included in the total number of volunteers.
During the free time, different activities can be easily planned depending of the desire of the participants and of the weather conditions, for example swimming in the lac des Chavonnes, visiting Aigle or Lausanne or a trekking tour. You will discuss the free time activity within the group and decide, what you will do.
Camp Photographs
