Volunteer work: National Hedge Day on 7 November
The whole of Switzerland
07.11.2026
Environment
Protecting hedges as habitats. National Hedge Day, organized by the Verein Heckentag Schweiz, is a nationwide volunteer initiative for the maintenance, improvement and planting of hedges as valuable habitats for wild bees and many other animal species.
By participating in National Hedge Day, you will make an important contribution to the protection of biodiversity and gain practical knowledge about natural landscape management and ecological relationships.
Hedges are essential habitats for wild bees, insects, birds and small mammals. They provide food and shelter and serve as ecological corridors in the cultivated landscape. However, many of these structures die away or are not properly maintained. National Hedge Day addresses this very issue, making the preservation of these valuable elements tangible and effective.
On National Hedge Day, you can get involved together with other volunteers at selected locations across Switzerland. Your commitment has a lasting impact – local, visible and for the future.
Duration:
- Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Full-day assignment, approx. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- The exact start and end times may vary depending on location.
Location:
- Various sites in Switzerland
How it will work:
- Welcome and instructions on site
- Maintenance and/or planting of hedges
- Lunch is provided
Introduction:
- You will be introduced to the work and its ecological significance directly at the location.
- No advance preparation is required.
Support:
- The volunteers are instructed and supervised by a specialist throughout their assignment.
Tasks:
Planting and improvement of wild hedges. The activities are varied and may include:
- Excavation work
- Planting new shrubs
- Mulching
- Pruning existing shrubs
- Building brush piles and other small structures
What you’ll need:
- No prior experience is required
- The activity will take place in all weathers
- Basic physical fitness is required
- You should be able to walk on uneven terrain, stand, kneel and bend down
Terms of use:
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
- If necessary, bring a change of clothes
- Bring your own gardening gloves and water bottle
Knowledge of German or French, depending on the location
Project language
German, French
This non-profit association was founded in Bern in 2019. Unspoiled natural habitats and the numbers of insects and birds are shrinking throughout Switzerland. Heckentag Schweiz works to increase the quantity of wild hedges in Switzerland with the aim of creating more habitat for our wild animals and plants. Wild hedgerows, forest edges and stream banks provide varied, richly structured habitats and promote biodiversity. Heckentag Switzerland brings together resources and creates a platform for learning about and promoting hedges.