Old Brickworks Mainz

Name: Old Brickworks Mainz
Start: 2022-09-04
End: 2022-09-18
Location: Mainz, Germany

Germany Renovation Environment Renovation Environment Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

The „Alte Ziegelei“(Old Brickworks) in Mainz is a former brickyard founded in 1900 to produce bricks in industrial manners with big ovens and technical machines. The factory was closed in 1972 and it provides a good insight into European Industrial culture. An association was founded in 1985 by members of the citizens' initiative for the preservation of the old brickworks. The aim and purpose of the association is to preserve the area as an industrial monument and at the same time, to develop it as a non-commercial, educational, leisure and cultural centre for all. The focus is not perfection but improvisation. The outdoor area was redesigned, taking into account the old clay pits and natural specifications. Following ecological aspects, a near-natural system of woods, fruit trees and meadows was created, alternating with areas used for agriculture. 250 different plant species and more than 30 different bird species are currently native to the area. After many years of expansion, development and numerous activities the Old Brickworks are now accommodating the historic brick works museum, a drama school, a kindergarten, an environmental NGO office, refugee accommodations, artists' studios and educational institutions. The place can be used by the general public for festivals, theatres, having barbecues and celebrating parties. The use of the brickyard is free of charge. By participating in this workcamp, you are actively supporting biodiversity (UN SDG 15 Life on Land) and to a sustainable and inclusive community (UN SDG 11 sustainable communities).

💼 What the programme involves

Come to Mainz to actively support the association that is in charge of maintaining and running the historic site of the “Old brickworks“. Your tasks will be: • Landscape maintenance work: The orchard meadows on the area have to be maintained by removing bushes and shrubs (Cornus commonly known as dogwoods) that are threatening to overgrow this specific eco-system. This is physically quite demanding and hard work – especially during the hot summer period. • Mark out a nature trail with signage nature trail; • help with restoring historic shutters (removing, painting, reinstalling) and various renovation works on the grounds of the Old Brickyard.

🏠 Accommodation on site

The accommodation is quite basic. You will be staying in a building on the area. On the first floor you will have several rooms for sleeping. Camping beds will be provided, but you need to bring a sleeping bag. Kitchen, showers and toilets are on the ground floor and you will be able to use the outdoor area. Be aware that the old brickworks is a busy place, so there will be lots of other people around and you will have the opportunity to get to know many local people! Your group of volunteers will be responsible for grocery shopping and cooking together. The food will be bought with the camp budget and everybody will take turns for cooking, washing the dishes and cleaning. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and try more sustainable dishes.

📍 About the location

Mainz is the capital of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, with over 2000 years of history. Since the middle Ages it was the seat of the archbishop and previously it was a Roman fort city. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River. Mainz is a very beautiful and interesting city. It is known for its old town with its half-timbered houses and medieval market squares.

⚠️ Requirements

• You need to be able to ride a bike! • The project is not suitable for people who are allergic to bees. • We ask for a motivation letter to be sent with the application!