Enhancement of the Chestnut Grove of Santa Petronilla

environment

Environment

Project Enhancement of the Chestnut Grove of Santa Petronilla
Participant(s) Min. 8 / Max. 15
Project language German, Italian, English

Assignment options

City 6710 Biasca (TI)
Date Possible between 20.09.2025 and 31.10.2025
Duration of assignment Lasts one day
Time 09:00 – 16:00

Above Biasca lies the chestnut grove of Santa Petronilla, a historically and ecologically valuable habitat where people have cultivated sweet chestnuts (castanea sativa) for centuries.

The open, light-flooded forest structures of these groves were created through regular cultivation and were once central supply areas for humans and animals. Today, this unique cultural landscape is at risk of disappearing: Without maintenance, brambles, bracken and other highly competitive shrubs grow back, thickening the undergrowth and preventing the regeneration of the chestnut trees. This destroys valuable habitats for heat-loving species such as lizards, wild bees, bats and various types of fungi.

The work includes cutting back undergrowth, removing invasive species, clearing old chestnut trees and clearing branches. The work will help restore the sparse forest structure typical for chestnuts – and with it a piece of living Ticino history.

Duration:

  • One-day assignment
  • Assignment time from around 9:00 a.m. to around 4:00 p.m.

Location:

  • Santa Petronilla in 6710 Biasca, Ticino
  • The exact meeting point will be communicated before the assignment.

How it will work:

  • The day begins with a welcome at the assignment location. After a short round of introductions, the instructor presents an overview of the program and explains why the planned conservation work is important for the natural habitat.
  • Participants then learn the basics of the respective work steps and how to use the tools safely. Under expert guidance, techniques are demonstrated and practiced so that the work can be carried out efficiently and gently.
  • Then it is off to the field, where everyone puts what they have learned into practice. 
  • The day ends with a short feedback session where volunteers can share their impressions and experiences.

Introduction:

The introduction is carried out by conservation experts directly on site.

Support:

  • You will be accompanied by experienced conservation professionals who – with their expertise, enthusiasm and keen eye for nature and biodiversity – will ensure that your on-site work is meaningful and effective. They will show you what is important, explain the ecological context and give you practical tips so that you can quickly find your way around and enjoy (tackling) the work.
  • Whether you need help with handling tools, working techniques, recognizing plants and animals or protecting sensitive habitats, our experts will assist you throughout your assignment, providing individual support and answering any questions you may have.

Tasks:

Various nature conservation tasks, including:

  • Cutting back undergrowth
  • Removing invasive species
  • Clearing old chestnut trees
  • Clearing away branches

What you’ll need:

  • No special prior knowledge is required.
  • Above all, it is important that you enjoy being active in nature, are open to new things and are willing to take part in practical work.
  • Since we will be on our feet all day, you should have a certain basic level of fitness for physical activities.

Team assignment:
Working in nature not only gives you the opportunity to actively contribute to preserving biodiversity, but is also a personally enriching experience. Experience a day away from the day-to-day, in the fresh air and an inspiring environment. You can tackle the work with others, strengthen team spirit and be proud of the visible results of your efforts at the end of the day.

Food and beverages:
On request, you can book a catering offer through the association.

Our project partner:
The Nature Network

The Nature Network is a charitable organization and one of the largest community service organizations in Switzerland. For many years, we have dedicated ourselves with passion and expertise to the protection and conservation of nature. Arbeitseinsatz.ch is a division of the Nature Network that organizes volunteer efforts in nature conservation. Our years of experience enable us to create safe, well-structured and effective assignments, where volunteers actively help to preserve and improve habitats for rare plants and animals.