Enhancement of the Chestnut Grove of Santa Petronilla
Environnement
Projet: | Enhancement of the Chestnut Grove of Santa Petronilla |
Liste des participants | Au min. 8 / Au max. 15 |
Langue (du projet) | Allemand, Italien, Anglais |
Options d’intervention
Localité | 6710 Biasca (TI) |
Date | Possible entre le 20.09.2025 et le 31.10.2025 |
Temps passé par les bénévoles | Se déroule sur une journée |
Heure | 09:00 h - 16:00 h |
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.

L’association Naturnetz est une organisation à but non lucratif et l’une des plus grandes pour le service civil en Suisse. Depuis de nombreuses années, nous mettons notre grande passion et nos connaissances approfondies au service de la protection et de la préservation de la nature, Arbeitseinsatz.ch est un département de Naturnetz spécialisé dans l’organisation de missions bénévoles dans la protection de la nature. Grâce à nos nombreuses années d’expérience, nous créons des missions sûres, bien structurées et efficaces dans lesquelles les bénévoles contribuent activement à la préservation et à l’amélioration des habitats de plantes et d’animaux rares