Reviving wetlands in Erzgebirge

CODE: ijgd 76117

Work:

Wetlands are important natural water reservoirs, helping reduce flooding during heavy rainfall, and they also act as valuable climate protectors. On top of that, they’re unique habitats for many rare animal and plant species. In the past, however, many wetlands in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) were heavily drained—either to extract peat as fuel or to make the wet areas easier to farm and manage. Once their importance became clear, wetland restoration work began in the region more than 25 years ago. One of these projects is the “Moor am Salzflüsschen”.
Between 2005 and 2009, drainage ditches were filled in and water-retention structures were installed. After almost 20 years, the measures were evaluated and some improvements and repair work were identified. As part of the current project, the first on-site tasks are already being carried out, including: Cutting back shrubs and small trees around the retention structures; Deepening selected ditches so that stored water can seep back into the peat more effectively; Covering the water-retention structures to protect the installed wood and prevent it from rotting.

Accomodation and food

You’ll be staying at the stunning Gruppenhaus Holzhau — and it’s all yours. The guesthouse has 8 cozy double rooms, each with its own private en-suite bathroom (shower + WC), so everyone gets comfort and privacy. As the accommodation is quite comfortable we have to charge 50€ extra fee for this.
Outside, the fun continues: a big outdoor hangout area with a table tennis table, volleyball court, and a BBQ + campfire spot for late-night vibes — plus plenty more to discover. You cook together. Money for shopping will be provided. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.

Location and leisure

Right on the grounds of Gruppenhaus Holzhau, you can keep things fun and active—play a quick match on the volleyball court or challenge your friends at the table tennis tables. There’s also a campfire spot, perfect for chilled evenings, snacks, and late-night hangouts. If you’re up for exploring, great nearby trips include Blockhausen (near Mulda) and the Bergbaumuseum Altenberg in Altenberg. And when you’re craving bigger-city vibes, Freiberg is easy to reach—while Chemnitz and Dresden are awesome options for a weekend trip. For a bigger adventure, Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden also work great as weekend getaways.

Project hosted by

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
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Directions to meeting point

Meeting point and time: At accommodation – Gruppenhaus Holzbau
You’ll meet on the afternoon of your arrival day. Your group leaders will share the exact time and any additional details.

More Information about train and bus connections: www.bahn.com or https://www.bvg.de/en

Additional comments

There is an additional teenage fee of 150€ for volunteers under 18 who apply for this camp. There is an extra fee of 50€ for everybody for the accommodation.