You will work in a nature reserve about 3 km from the campsite where you will walk on foot. The main work will consist of mowing, raking and collecting grass on protected meadows. This work might be physically demanding. As the meadows can be very wet, make sure to bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), gloves, rain gear and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Work gloves will be provided for you. You will also work directly in the campsite on maintenance tasks and in the nearby forest by doing various manual jobs. At the end of the workcamp, you will help to dismantle the campsite and to transport all the material to Prague where it will be stored during winter.
Accomodation and food
In tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. Nights in the forest might be very cold, even frosty, so bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are dry and outdoors. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian. You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.
Location and leisure
The workcamp takes place in the Bohemian Forest near Stara Knizeci Hut. The campsite is located in the valley of the Celni stream, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. There is limited phone coverage. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov where you can find ATMs, pharmacies, doctors etc.
Hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the ruins of the Zahaji castle or go on trips to the Czech towns in the neighbourhood (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Germany; a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games or experience an Indian sauna. If you have any games, musical instruments or any other activity you could share or teach the group in the campsite conditions, you are welcome to bring them.
Project hosted by
The workcamp is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organises environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The workcamp takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of the Bohemian Forest, near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is isolated from civilization and we welcome volunteers who are fond of trying out a basic lifestyle in the forest and do not mind longer walks. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area and maintain the campsite. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.
Directions to meeting point
From the airport take bus 119 to the Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Muzeum” and change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:23 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. Go to the bus station in front of the train station and at 14:10 take the bus 440251 3 in the direction to “Lesna, Stara Knizeci Hut”. Get off at this last stop at 16:03. The meeting point is at the bus stop. PAY ATTENTION! THIS IS THE ONLY CONNECTION YOU CAN TAKE ON THIS DAY!
Additional comments
Evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps by the fire. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, participate in fun games and learn to recognize the stars. Also, as you will be living in close contact with nature, you will improve your camping skills and learn a lot about local fauna and flora.