Back to the wild Coast

CODE: CONCF-28017-YE

Project and work

Welcome to Dannes, a village nestled between sea and forest, where you will take part in a unique environmental project in the heart of the Mont Saint-Frieux natural area. This exceptional site, shaped by wind and time, is a fragile ecosystem that requires active protection and careful management.
This year’s workcamp focuses on the maintenance and restoration of wetland and dune environments. Your main tasks will include mowing and clearing wetland areas to preserve their ecological balance, cutting back willow growth, and removing dense vegetation along hiking trails. These actions are essential to maintain biodiversity, support local wildlife, and
ensure safe access to the site.
You will also take part in the upkeep and reopening of hiking paths by clearing overgrown sections and improving trail accessibility for visitors. Alongside experienced environmental professionals, you will learn practical conservation techniques and discover how to manage sensitive natural habitats.
Fully immersed in this outstanding landscape, you will actively contribute to the protection of a valuable natural heritage while enjoying the proximity of the coast and surrounding wilderness. A meaningful experience combining environmental action, learning, and discovery!

Accommodation and meals

You will be accommodated in individual tents in the park of the former château of Dannes, just a few meters from the beach. One of the château’s rooms will serve as a communal living space. Sanitary facilities will be available on-site, though without hot water, while showers will be accessible at the town’s stadium, a 10-minute walk away. You will share
daily collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the camp leaders, and you will take part in grocery shopping, prioritizing healthy and local products.

Location and leisure

Dannes (2,000 inhabitants) is located in the Pas-de-Calais department, in the Hauts-de-France region. Situated near the Boulogne urban area, it is easily accessible by public transport. The region boasts a rich historical heritage, which you can explore nearby: the stunning Bay of Somme, various coastal forts, and the crypt of the Notre-Dame Basilica,
among other sites. Numerous hikes will be offered on the mountain slopes, along with opportunities to discover the local fauna and flora.
For more information about the town, visit: https://www.ville-dannes.fr/

Partner 

The EDEN 62 association is a long-standing partner of Concordia, committed to the preservation and enhancement of natural spaces in the Pas-de-Calais region. In 2019, we already collaborated with them on the first European Solidarity Corps (ESC) team project, an innovative and enriching experience. More recently, in 2025, a first European project carried
out together was a great success, confirming the strength and quality of this cooperation. Building on this positive momentum, this partnership is now being renewed to further develop international workcamps in a spirit of cooperation and knowledge sharing.
As a key actor in environmental protection, EDEN 62 works to safeguard local biodiversity through the management of sensitive natural areas, public awareness activities, and concrete field actions. Their commitment to sharing, environmental education, and the preservation of natural heritage fully aligns with Concordia’s values. In continuity with this collaboration, the municipality of Dannes has chosen to become even more involved this year by proposing additional activities and moments of exchange with local residents, in order to foster stronger interaction and community participation throughout the project.
This project thus marks the return of a valuable collaboration, with the shared ambition of combining environmental action, intercultural exchange, and civic engagement.

Additional comments

Remember to bring work clothes for the work site as well as closed shoes. As the accommodation is under tents, remember to bring your sleeping bag as well as a sleeping mat or a camping mattress for more comfort.
Don't forget your bathing suit in case you have the opportunity to go swimming! You can also bring back specialties from your country, photos, musical instruments, in short what you like and want to share on this site, either with the local population or with the group.
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 arise 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 Erasmus+ program for young people aged 18 to 30. It is open to all volunteers who meet criteria and is subject to several principles and conditions. - Volunteers do not have to pay any fees (no sending, nor participation fees) to participate in the project, and will receive financial support for their travel, subjected to a maximum amount established according to their travel distance and upon presentation of the original tickets;

Languages: English, French

Meeting point: 

We will meet up at DANNES CAMIERS train station on 14/08 at the end of the day. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the roadmap, sent at the latest 4 weeks before the beginning of the work.
From PARIS, regular trains are leaving from Gare du Nord train station towards Etaples Le Touquet train station The ride lasts for about 3 hours. The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, available on the
following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.

Nearest Airport:
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Paris Beauvais