Nature Conservation in the Wildlife Park in Springe

CODE: ijgd 16010

Work:

The bison enclosure in Springe is one of the most popular destinations in the Hanover region. The main purpose of the wildlife park is to ensure the survival of endangered species, such as bison, through breeding programmes. The Forest Education Centre runs sustainable educational courses for school classes of all ages there. The programme ranges from workshops, animal observation, learning stations, exploration tours, activity days and project weeks to holiday pass activities and children's birthday parties. Your group supports the staff of the Education Centre in various environmental and nature conservation activities on the premises. The main task is to remove fast-growing plants such as ivy and blackberries, which overgrow everything. This creates light and space for more plant diversity. You will help to remove poisonous plants such as belladonna and clear ivy and blackberry vines from part of the historic Saupark wall, which at 16.3 km is the longest architectural monument in Lower Saxony. Climate change is also clearly noticeable in the bison enclosure. To prevent the soil from drying out too much, ‘wood islands’ made of dead branches are being created under the large trees. You will also be supporting the wildlife park team with this task.

Accomodation and food

In the parish hall of the Andreasgemeinde in Springe: a bedroom with air beds will be set up for you on the upper floor of the former parish widow's house. The kitchen and a dining and common room are located in the parish hall directly opposite. Wi-Fi and a washing machine are available in the house. Shower facilities are available at the swimming pool, which you can reach in 6 minutes by bicycle. Your place of work in the bison enclosure can be reached by bicycle in just 16 minutes (5.2 km).
You cook together. You will be provided with money for shopping. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.

Location and leisure

Springe is a town with around 30,000 inhabitants in the Hanover region. Its biggest attraction is the bison enclosure. The town is surrounded by the Deister hills, a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers, which you can explore on foot or by bike. The hunting residence, which also houses the forestry office, has an exhibition on nature and hunting in its historic rooms. The Springe museum provides information about the history of the region, interior design and various craft techniques. The nearest outdoor swimming pool in Bennigsen can be reached by bike in 35 minutes. You are invited to take part in the events of the parish's summer academy.
At weekends and in the evenings, it is worth taking a trip to Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony, or to Hamelin, the town of the Pied Piper, which offer a wide range of leisure activities. The S 5 train takes 30 minutes to Hanover and 14 minutes to Hameln.
https://www.visit-hannover.com/
https://www.hameln.de/en

Project hosted by

Forestry Office Saupark

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.
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Directions to meeting point

Meeting point and time: on 25 July between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the accommodation

Additional comments

Fitness for physically demanding work. Interest in practical work in the forest. You must be able to ride a bike
Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who applied under 18 in this camp.