Black Forest Pastures – Neuenweg Kleines Wiesental

CODE: IBG17

Work
Preserve black forest pastures! In this very special project, you will find yourself on mountain pastures, where you will be responsible for preserving the unique biodiversity and species diversity as well as the traditional practice of cooperative summer cattle grazing.
You will maintain paths and pasture fences on site. As a measure against scrub encroachment on the pastures, you will remove small conifers with hand saws. To preserve the special biodiversity, you will combat and remove some invasive species – especially lupins and broom. You will work together with local farmers active in the association taking care for the mountain pastures. Nature conservation experts will introduce you to the background and objectives of nature conservation tasks. Please be prepared for mountain life and bring god hiking shoes and weatherproof clothing.

Accomodation and food
You will stay in the local ski club's cottage. It is located at an altitude of 930 metres. There are 10 bunk beds in four separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, two toilets and washrooms, but only one shower – so you will need to coordinate well. Please bring a warm sleeping bag. The cottage is beautifully situated at the end of the valley and 3km from the mountain village of Neuenweg. You will be surrounded by nature, breathtaking views, hiking paths….. 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.

Location and leisure
The workcamp will take place close to the mountain village Neuenweg on the southern slope of Mount Belchen. You will find yourself at an altitude of between 700 and 1400 metres. The area is well known for its unique protected nature and sustainable outdoor tourism opportunities. If you have always been attracted to the Black Forest with its famous historic mountain farmsteads, forests, high moors and unique light, then this is the place for you. During the workcamp, there will be several activities to help you get involved in village life in Neuenweg. The ceremonial cattle drive down from the mountain pastures is expected to take place on Oct 17 and will be a perfect completion of your stay – a very special moment. The project is perfect for volunteers who enjoy being outside in the mountains and in nature.

Project hosted by
The area on the southern slope of the Belchen (1,414 m) is characterised by its unique subalpine flora and fauna and is a 1,600-hectare nature reserve. For the first time, IBG is active here at this peak of the Black Forest, working together with the regional nature conservation authority and the local association of mountain farmers. You will maintain and preserve the mountain pastures and their special alpine biodiversity. At the same time, shared summer cattle grazing is also a special cultural asset and represents sustainable agriculture in a unique form.

Directions to meeting point
Please check www.bahn.com for a train connection from anywhere to “Zell (Wiesental)”. For sure you have to travel via Basel. There will be one train per hour. From Zell you can either use a so-called bus-on-demand to reach the accommodation (more information in the infosheet) or you can be picked up at 7.30pm from your campleaders. The distance from Zell to your accommodation is 25km.

Requirements
Please be aware that ticks can be an issue after spending a lot of time outdoors. In our General Info Sheet you will find suggestions on how you can protect yourself against them. Consider to check whether a vaccination against the tick-borne disease TBE makes sense and is possible in your home country.