Autumn outdoor adventure on the orchard meadow

CODE: IBG 19

Work:

Help to improve the health and lifespan of trees and contribute to increasing biodiversity. You will work with the other volunteers on an extensively used orchard with over 100 different fruit trees. These fruit orchards have characterised the landscape for centuries and are still used today for both fruit (apples and pears) and hay. Your task is to cut off branches. You will receive a detailed introduction, as there is a lot to consider. You will be equipped with tools and climb ladders to reach the uppermost parts of the tree. There are probably still a few fruits hanging on the trees, so your task would be to harvest these first.

The task is important as trimming trees increases their lifespan and old trees are a perfect habitat for various animals. In general, orchard meadows play an outstanding role for biodiversity in Central Europe and are important for the future. They are among the most species-rich habitats in Central Europe. You will work 5 days per week, 2 days off.

Accomodation and food

You will spend the night on a youth campsite about 50 metres from the orchard (run by the local forestry administration). It will be an outdoor adventure, because in October the weather is already very autumnal, which means it can also rain, the temperatures drop and the hours of sunshine become fewer. There will be showers and toilets in a house, as well as a barn where you can set up your lounge. If it pours with rain, you can also spend the night here if necessary. There is an outdoor gas cooker for cooking. You don't need to bring a tent, but you do need a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, warm, weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes. So if you want to be active in increasing biodiversity, love nature and enjoy simple accommodation, almost like a kind of survival camp, then this camp is perfect for you.

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 camp will take place in a single settlement approx. 10 km west of Schwäbisch Hall. The landscape in this area is dominated by forests and steep hills. Only small hamlets interrupt the nature, which makes it a perfect region for plenty of different species but also for hiking. At your camp site there is a barbecue area, several hiking trails, a special cultural landscape trail and a swimming lake (if it's still warm enough) that can be reached on a short hike.

You can also reach a lot by bus: There is a brewery that can be visited; the old town of Schwäbisch Hall has museums, shops and some traditional German historical buildings.

Project hosted by

This workcamp is based on the cooperation between IBG and the „Naturpark Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald“ including the local forestry administration. This project is brand new and a real rarity.

Directions to meeting point

You can check for connections from anywhere to „Baierbach Abzw., Michelfeld“ on: www.bahn.com/en

Additional comments

This project is really for adventurers and nature lovers who want to try out living in nature and with nature even in autumn. You will be outside a lot, there will be campfires, improvised cooking, hikes and special nature experiences. Please be prepared that October can either be warm and sunny or quite fresh and rainy.