Maintain vitality of Alpine biodiversity (Villars-sur-Ollon VD)

CODE: CH-SCI W10.21

Description

The Alpes Vaudoises are a group of mountains in the Swiss Alps located in the canton of Vaud. The highest point is the Diablerets peak at 3210 meters. This region is considered by WWF Switzerland and Alpes Vivantes Association as one of the hotspots for biodiversity in the entire Alps.

Traditionally, the slopes of these mountains have been covered with pastures of high ecological value. Different animals such as black grouse, deer, and chamois live here. The ecosystem is fragile. A tree species commonly called “aulne vert” (“alnus viridis” in Latin, “green alder” in English) spreads across the pastures. These trees grow quickly in alpine pastures when there is not enough livestock to graze them. Once these plants take over, birds such as hazel grouse, black grouse, and woodcock, which need habitats with open spaces and plenty of food, no longer feel comfortable. They become fewer and eventually disappear. In addition, the overgrowth reduces the feeding value of the pasture and its long-term use for grazing.

The association Alpes Vivantes undertakes various educational and maintenance activities in the Alpes Vaudoises. Its long-term goal is to enhance the biological richness and ecologically valuable habitats of the Alpes Vaudoises.

In collaboration with a local farmer, the volunteers will clear invasive or unwanted plants to preserve the mountain pastures.

Type of Work

Together with a local farmer, the volunteers will remove invasive or undesirable plants, mainly green alders and pines, in order to maintain mountain pastures. Volunteers assist the farmer in gathering and piling up the cut branches so that they can be burned later. The volunteers will make an important contribution to the preservation of the precious resources of these emblematic landscapes of the Alpes Vaudoises. If it rains hard, other activities to support Alpes Vivantes will be proposed, such as creating educational games.

Please note that the work is physically demanding, as it involves working outdoors in steep (and sometimes slippery) terrain as well as cutting down and lifting branches! Be aware that you will walk 30-45 minutes to the place where you will be working each day.

On one day, the volunteers will spend some hours helping with the potato harvest on another mountain pasture. The potatoes will then be cooked and eaten together at an Alpes Vivantes event on Saturday 19 September, where volunteers can exchange with local members of the association.

For interested volunteers, there is also the possibility to prepare a short theater performance on the topic of mountain potato cultivation. The theater performance will take place as part of the before-mentioned Alpes Vivantes event. There is no obligation to be involved in this project if not wished by the volunteer.

Study Theme

By participating in the volunteer camp, participants will have the opportunity to experience the reality of mountain farmers in the Swiss Alps, to broaden their knowledge of ecological relationships and the value of important habitats for endangered species. Dependent on the weather and the availability of experts involved in Alpes Vivantes, there will additionally be some study sessions which could deal with: sharing of information on nature conservation actions and on citizens’ science approaches in the Alps; applied field botany courses and bird watching walks (see App Flower Walks); or discovery of new technologies and techniques for sustainable neophyte control.

Accommodation and food

The volunteers will be accommodated in the “Cabane de Bretaye” near Col de Bretaye at 1800 meters above sea level. It is a simple cottage in a mountain area, not a hotel, located about 8 minutes walking from Col de Bretaye train station. The accommodation is of a good standard but not luxurious.

The cottage has dormitories, a well equipped kitchen, shower facilities with warm water and toilets. You need to bring a sleeping bag or a linen bed sheet. There is no washing machine available. There is no Wifi in the cottage, this means, that there is no internet access except through mobile phones – be aware that in Switzerland there are high roaming costs. Be prepared to spend time without your phone.

Volunteers are responsible for food shopping and cooking in the evening. Groceries will be paid for. The volunteers will collectively coordinate the meal preparation each night. Please be aware that for lunch, the volunteers will prepare sandwiches and other food which they will take with them to the working place. We recommend that the volunteers limit their meat consumption, 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 French might be used, but it's not mandatory.

Requirements

The volunteer must be physically fit, enjoy walking, and have an interest in nature conservation actions. If you are uncomfortable walking in steep (and sometimes slippery) terrain, please consider another volunteer camp.

Be prepared to spend time without your phone.

Location and leisure

The camp takes place in a remote area high in the mountains, the main free time activities for volunteers will be hiking and enjoying nature. It is also possible to swim in the nearby Chavonnes lake. The volunteer camp hosting partner will propose to the SCI volunteers some leisure activities, so you can decide together which activity you prefer.

Be aware that during the camp duration it will not be possible to visit bigger cities as they are rather far away. If you wish to visit bigger cities in the surroundings, please do this before or after the camp.

Additional information

Why did SCI Switzerland choose to support this volunteer camp? Because the project aims to protect biodiversity and landscapes, and also keeps the cultural heritage of the Alpes Vaudoises alive. SCI Switzerland also supports their initiative to discover new sustainable techniques for controlling invasive species.

Max. 2 minor volunteers (16- or 17-year-old) are accepted.

Camp is open to volunteers with children: 2 accompanied children are welcome in this volunteer camp (children are included in the total number of volunteers). The minimum age for children is 14 years.

The legal guardian/parent as well as the child must be aware that the working places are only accessible by foot (30-45’ walking from the accommodation) and the work is physically demanding and in steep (and sometimes slippery) terrain. The child must therefore be fit to hike and to work outside. There are different rooms, so a family could have a room for themselves.