A week of volunteering in nature – climate change and the forest

Duration:

• From Sunday afternoon, 4 October to Friday afternoon, 9 October 2026
• Start and end in Aurigeno

Location:

• Casa Parrocchiale, 6677 Aurigeno / TI 
• Precise directions to the location will follow after registration

How it will work:

• Work is carried out in daily rotating working groups of seven people at different sites.
• Bildungswerkstatt Bergwald will organize transport to the sites and work instructions (as well as food and accommodation).

Introduction:

At each worksite you will be instructed by a forestry expert and accompanied throughout the day. 

Support:

To ensure optimal support at the work location, each small group of seven people will be instructed, accompanied and supervised by a trained forestry expert.

Tasks:

• At the worksites, which change daily, different work is performed to maintain both mature and young forest.
• One excursion in the local area will also be organized during the week.

What you’ll need:

• You must be in good physical shape, although some allowance can be made for different levels of fitness.
• You must be surefooted. 
• No previous experience required.
• Interest in forests and forestry is welcome.

Accommodation:

• Accommodation in Casa Casa Parrocchiale, Aurigeno / TI, link 
• Shared rooms with 6, 12 or 21 beds

Terms of use:

• The work is for people aged 18 and over.
• Please bring work clothes and shoes.
• Financial contribution towards accommodation and meals, cost per person: CHF 350 / (CHF 240 reduced price for those of limited financial means).
• Participants are responsible for their own insurance.
• The maximum number of participants is 21, and they will be divided into smaller work groups.

Important:

Why does the practical week cost money even though it’s voluntary work? Voluntary work also incurs costs, such as for organization, expert supervision, tools, accommodation and meals. Your participation fee covers part of these basic costs. We receive additional funding through compensation for the work performed, charitable foundations and donations. This enables us to offer high-quality practical weeks for adults that combine learning, forest maintenance and spending time in nature.

By participating, you are making a direct contribution to the protection and maintenance of the forest – our natural resource. At the same time, you benefit from in-depth forest knowledge, authentic insights into forestry activities and a better understanding of ecological relationships and sustainable forest management.

The project week is conducted bilingually (in German and French). Volunteers should have a good knowledge of at least one of these two languages.