Weekend of Open Gardens at Veseli castle

CODE: CZ-INE 13.25001

Description: This workcamp is organized in cooperation with the association Tvrz Veseli („Fortress Veseli “) in the small village of Veseli nad Uhlavou near the Sumava National Park. Veseli Castle was built on the site of an older fortress in the second half of the 19th century. The mission of the association is to renovate the castle to its original form and reopen its gates to the public again - mainly for cultural and educational purposes due to during decades previous regimes left the castle in very poor condition. The goal of this workcamp is to maintain and restore the castle park, build a fence, repair a stone wall and clean the cellar of the castle. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Type of Work: Work will include planting flowers and bushes, incorporating natural elements into the garden, cutting overgrown trees, repairing the stone wall and cleaning the castle. Bring suitable clothes and shoes for work that can get dirty or damaged. The castle where volunteers will work is a 10-minute train ride away. As most of the work will be done outdoors, please, bring a waterproof jacket or a raincoat and a hat to protect you from the sun. No previous experience with this kind of work is required.

Study Theme: Study part: You will be introduced to the history of the castle and meet the local community.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in a family house in the village of Pocinovice. Volunteers will sleep in two large rooms on mattresses. Please, bring your sleeping bag! WIFI and a washing machine are available. There is also a bathroom (2 toilets and 1 shower) and a kitchen available. Breakfast, dinner, and snacks will be provided by the campleaders and the local partner. Lunch will be delivered to the work site.

Language: Basic english is required

Requirements: Please, bring suitable work clothes and shoes, a raincoat and a sleeping bag. The workcamp is suitable for fans of history, and culture and for those seeking insights into the Czech countryside.

Approximate Location:The Veseli Castle is located in the foothills of the Sumava Mountains in the small village of Veseli nad Uhlavou. The nearest bigger cities are Klatovy and Domazlice. Pilsen, the Czech capital of beer, is 50 km away from the site. The castle is surrounded by the picturesque South Bohemian countryside and the Sumava National Park is very close by. Everywhere is good phone reception. There is also an ATM in the village where you will be accommodated.

IMPORTNAT NOTE: Since this is a very short-term project, we highly encourage international participants to use eco-friendly means of transport and to connect this volunteering opportunity with longer holiday in Czechia.