Chestnut forest preservation in Misox (Soazza GR)

CODE: CH-SCI W10.19

Description

The project is hosted by Fondazione Mont Grand. The foundation's aim is to enhance the landscape of the mountain pasture of Mont Grand near Soazza, where groups of houses are scattered here and there.

The foundation takes care of the characteristic sparse chestnut woods, maintains the historic buildings, provides knowledge about biodiversity and cultural history through educational activities and is committed to sustainable tourism. The chestnut forests represent a traditional form of land use that was widespread until after the Second World War and has since been largely abandoned. In this Volunteer Camp, volunteers will mainly take care of the chestnut forests.

Type of Work

The volunteers take care of the chestnut forests. The work mainly involves haymaking between the trees, in particular to rake and collect the hay. If wished, the volunteers can also try to cut the grass with appropriate machinery after being instructed by the volunteer camp hosting partner. Sometimes the work can be a bit repetitive, but the result will make you feel satisfied. Under certain circumstances, it may also be possible to carry out other landscape conservation work, such as clearing the bushes, collecting stones, etc. Be aware that the work is physically demanding and that the land is very steep! A good physical condition is therefore required. Working hours are normally 6 hours a day, but they can vary depending on the weather – some days you might work more and some days less as you will compensate then. Be aware that in the summer weeks the volunteer camp hosting partner has a lot to do – therefore your supporting hands are especially needed and this volunteer camp is not about a summer holiday in Soazza.

Study Theme

On one hand, the volunteers will get to know all the projects of the Fondazione Mont Grand directly on site during a half-day excursion. On the other hand, the volunteers will receive information on botany, biodiversity, history and cultural landscape management during their work. Please tell the volunteer camp hosting partner, what you are interested in and they will be happy to give you more information about certain topics.

Accommodation

The volunteers will be accommodated in a mountain-house. Mattresses and pillows are available. Please be aware that there is only one mixed bedroom (so NO smaller single bedrooms). In case you are willing to camp on your own, it is possible to bring your own tent and camping mattress as well as your sleeping bag.

There are sufficient toilets and also showers with hot water. There is no washing machine available. And there is no internet access except through mobile phones (providers Swisscom & Sunrise) – be aware that in Switzerland there are high roaming costs.

The group of volunteers will prepare their own food. Whether they will also shop themselves or give the volunteer camp hosting partner a shopping list will be decided in the camp. Some food can be obtained from regional and sustainable resources (e.g. eggs, and cheese). We recommend you to limit your meat consumption, so as to contribute to the camp’s principle of sustainability.

Language: The communication among the international volunteers happens in English. As some local people will join, also Italian might be used.

Requirements

As work is physically demanding, a good physical condition is required! In case you do not feel comfortable walking in steep environment, please choose another volunteer camp. You should be ready to de-connect from urban life and internet for the duration of the volunteer camp.

Additional information

There need to be at least 7 volunteers in order that the camp can take place.

Why did SCI Switzerland choose to support this volunteer camp? The project promotes biodiversity and knowledge about local history and therefore meets SCI Switzerland's goals to support nature and landscape preservation and the conservation of local traditions.