Bringing Nature Back by Rebuilding Dry Stone Walls (Monts-de-Bex VD)
Description: The Alpes Vaudoises are a group of mountains in the Swiss Alps located in the cantons of Vaud, Valais and Bern. This region is considered by the WWF Switzerland and the Alpes Vivantes Association as one of the hotspots for biodiversity in the entire Alps. The Alpes Vivantes association is involved in concrete maintenance activities in the Alpes Vaudoises such as cutting invasive species and green alders bushes. The long-term goal is to enhance the biological richness and ecologically valuable habitats of the Alpes Vaudoises, by managing projects within a regional organisation. The Alpes Vivantes Association applies a sustainable approach to nature conservation, by implementing projects in collaboration with regional partners. Alpes Vivantes manages actions in rural, forest and urban areas.
Type of Work: In order to ensure the long-term management of this sanctuary for biodiversity in a forest environment on Monts-de-Bex hill, maintenance work will be required in 2025. For example, it is planned to: Rebuild 20 meters of dry stone wall with the assistance of professional wall builders; carrying out various maintenance work on dry meadows pastures, removing invasive or undesirable plants (neophytes); remove a very old barbed wire fence that is endangering wildlife.
Volunteers can participate in all activities, learn dry stone wall techniques, and explore the unique landscape of Monts-de-Bex. Note that the work is physically demanding, involving heavy lifting, and is not recommended for those with back issues.
Study Theme: Participants have the opportunity to experience the reality of dry stone walling, expand their knowledge of ecological relationships and the value of important habitats for endangered species and thus make an important contribution to the conservation of the valuable resources of these emblematic landscapes of the Alpes Vaudoises. Topics:
- Sharing of information on nature conservation actions and on citizens’ science approaches in the Alps
- Applied field botany and bird watching walks (see app Flower Walks)
- sustainable neophyte control Study topics will be adapted according to interests.
Accommodation: You will stay in a magnificent, completely renovated 19th century chalet, equipped with a kitchen, shower facilities with warm water and toilets. It is required to bring a sleeping bag and a mattress cover (90x190cm). The volunteers have their own floor. There are 3 twin beds, what means that it will be necessary to share double beds. In case you wish to have your own bed, you can bring a camping mattress and look for a comfy place somewhere in the cottage on your floor or bring your tent & camping mattress. There is NO washing machine and NO Wifi in the cottage.
Language: The volunteers among themselves and with the workcamp hosting partner will communicate in English. French is the local language, the workcamp hosting partner also speaks German.
Requirements: Be physically fit, show an interest in nature conservation actions and enjoy walking. Be prepared to spend some time without your phone. Bring a sleeping bag, a bed sheet (90x190cm) and good hiking/trekking shoes.
INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE: for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/
Notes: During the free time, different activities can be easily planned depending on the desire of the participants and of the weather conditions. For example, swimming in the Etang Avale, visiting Aigle or Lausanne or a trekking tour to Pont de Nant. You will discuss the free time activity within the group and decide, what you will do.
Participants who would like to extend their stay by a few days are welcome.
Camp Photographs
