Nature conservation and promotion of biodiversity – active volunteering
La Ferrière / La Chaux d’Abel
12.07. - 19.07.2026
Environment
Experience a nature-packed week. The forest project week for adults is aimed at forest enthusiasts who want to lend a hand, actively shape the forest and learn a lot about the natural environment in the process.
Under the expert guidance of forestry professionals, you will work in small groups at exciting locations that change every day. Whether it’s hand-felling with traditional tools such as a planer-tooth saw, building and maintaining paths, caring for the young forest or planting trees for the future – every task strengthens the forest in the long term and gives you a deeper understanding of its importance.
There’s a special focus on species knowledge and biodiversity: You will learn about different plant and animal species, discover how diverse life in the forest is and how important it is to preserve this diversity for a stable ecosystem. Through targeted observations and practical activities, you will become aware of the importance of biodiversity and can apply your knowledge directly on site.
This week offers authentic insight into forestry work, promotes an understanding of ecological relationships and raises awareness of the sustainable use of our environment. Together, we shape the forest and strengthen it for tomorrow.
Current project status
20 placesare still free (out of a total of 20)
65 daysremaining until (registration deadline)
Duration:
- From Sunday afternoon, 12 July 2026, to Friday afternoon, 19 July 2026
- Start and end in La Ferrière
Location:
- La Chaux d’Abel 96A, 2333 La Ferrière (BE)
- 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.
- You speak German and/or French
Accommodation:
- 2–4 person room
- Good sanitary facilities and hot water
- Camping not possible
- Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation; lunchbox at each worksite
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.
Meeting point
Haus Neuenburg
La Chaux d’Abel 96A
2333 La Ferrière / La Chaux d’Abel
Project language
German, French
Bildungswerkstatt Bergwald is a non-profit foundation that has been working with people in nature for 30 years. Participants experience the forest from a completely new angle while carrying out traditional manual work in the mountain forest. Together we create something sustainable – whether by tending to young and protected trees, maintaining paths or preserving valuable areas of biodiversity. The result? Visible success that has a long-lasting effect and lays the foundation for future generations.