Environmental Protection of Codera Valley in the Rhaetian Alps

CODE: IT-SCI W10.7

Work

During the camp, environmental restoration activities will be carried out such as: cleaning of lawns and paths from brambles and weeds, particularly around key landmarks in the village (https://www.visitvalcodera.it/tour/ita/index.html) such as the viewpoint, the historic cemetery, and the burial stones dating back to around 500 AD; cleaning of portions of the forest from weeds; transport by wheelbarrow and arrangement of the wood obtained; recovery of the ancient pedestrian viability.
The volunteers will work for about 6-7 hours a day, including walking times to/from the places of the activities (always near the village of San Giorgio), and during the camp they will have a day off.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation in the village of San Giorgio is provided at the Parish House, a historic building constructed in the typical local style of stone and wood. It comprises a kitchen, a living room and three bedrooms equipped with beds, including bunk beds, each fitted with a mattress, pillow and blankets. Volunteers will also be provided with a duvet cover. The bathroom is shared, with a shower and hot water; volunteers are asked to bring their own towels. Laundry can be done by hand in the village’s public washhouse.
Meals are prepared by members and volunteers of the Associazione Amici della Val Codera with the help of camp volunteers; they will be simple dishes, mainly based on pasta and vegetables; lunch may be a packed lunch to be eaten at the activity sites. The camp is held in a village in an Alpine valley with no road access; there are no shops or public establishments. Please note that, given the logistical difficulties involved in sourcing supplies and preparing meals, we cannot guarantee that specific dietary requirements—such as those for coeliac disease or veganism—can be met. In any case, volunteers with specific dietary needs (e.g. food intolerances) are asked to specify these in advance.

Location and leisure

The village where the activities will take place is situated on the left-hand side of the Codera Valley, within the municipality of Novate Mezzola, in the province of Sondrio.

During free time, there are opportunities for short and long walks in the valley, at both high and low altitudes; there is also the chance to swim in the waters of the River Codera. You can also visit the local Valley Museum run by the Friends of Val Codera Association.

Requirements

A motivational letter is mandatory to take part in the project

San Giorgio is beautiful but remote (www.visitvalcodera.it/tour/), requiring a 2 hour climb with your bag. It can only be reached on foot via a hiking trail starting from Novate, which takes around two hours and involves a 500-metre climb. As this is a mountain route, trolleys or large bags cannot be used for luggage; only backpacks are permitted. Between Novate Mezzola and San Giorgio there is a small cableway for transporting materials, which, barring unforeseen circumstances, will be used to transport the volunteers’ rucksacks, both on the way to and from the camp.

San Giorgio is situated at an altitude of around 750 meters and enjoys a relatively mild climate; however, it is in a mountainous setting and so in the early morning and after sunset, or in the event of bad weather, temperatures can drop. We therefore recommend bringing clothing suitable for alpine weather (sweatshirt, windproof/waterproof jacket). Sturdy hiking boots are required for the climb to San Giorgio, for transfers in the valley and for manual work; comfortable shoes and slippers are recommended for leisure time and when staying in the Parish House.There are no shops, so adaptability to the alpine environment is essential. Mountaineering experience is advised. The camp involves manual work to restore wild areas, requiring motivation, basic tool skills, and physical endurance. Work is mostly under the sun, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Additional comments

Mobile phone reception varies depending on the provider (TIM has very good coverage, others less so); there is no Wi-Fi available.
In the valley, you must behave in a manner that respects the environment, the peace and quiet, and the customs of the mountain people.