📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The Voronezh Biosphere Reserve (National Park) is located near the city of Voronezh, approximately 500 kilometers to the south of Moscow, Russia. The reserve is one of the biggest habitats of beavers dedicated to the protection and breeding of these animals which were almost extinct by early last century. Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which the life of plants and animals depends; and our vision is to leave a sustainable world for the generations to come.
This reserve is a treasured location for beavers. It's a large natural area, a unique combination of rich flora and fauna surrounded by forests and steppes. Volunteers will have a chance to observe the life of beavers and to look after them.
The Voronezh National Park abounds in historical and cultural landmarks, being a part of the vast territory of the Russian-Tatar border. There are fragments of fortified structures and settlements which still remind the viewer of that far-away era. The Park also has a natural history museum. For more details, visit http://www.zapovednik-vrn.ru/ (site in Russian).
Fan botanists, zoologists and historians will have a unique opportunity to attend a number of lectures and discussions on these subjects and work hand-in-hand with the researchers on the site. It is important that our volunteers know how critical their work is to achieving our mission! The volunteers provide extra hands, contribute new ideas and ways of doing things, help us get in touch with others members of their communities, and share conservation stories.
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers are extremely valuable here, and they assist in a variety of ways. They will help in the following activities: clearing paths, participating in forest work, taking care of the horses, taking part in harvesting hay for horses, and taking overall care of the territory of the Park, such as pruning bushes and trees. They will also help monitor beaver behavior, evaluate the new beaver release sites, and observe and record their activity.
In addition, volunteers will be able to watch and feed the otters and enjoy the time on the river bank.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Tents provided by the Park. It is important that you bring warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag: it is quite cold at night. The toilets are outside. There will be a summer shower with all necessary things provided and banya, the Russian type of sauna.
🍲 Food
Meals cooked by volunteers in an open-air portable kitchen. Vegetarian food is possible, since the volunteers will cook by themselves. You will cook at a cooking place which is also equipped by a fridge and a stove; dishes and kitchenware will be provided.
📍 About the location
The camp is situated in the suburbs of the city of Voronezh, 500 km to the south from Moscow. It has very good connections to Moscow and Voronezh via railway, bus and airplane. Voronezh also has an international airport with flights to certain cities, such as Munich, Istanbul, Yerevan, etc.
The Park is located within an hour bus drive from Voronezh. The transfer of volunteers will be organized from Voronezh. If necessary, a representative of the host organization may meet volunteers in Moscow and help them find their way in Voronezh.
🎒 Leisure activities
You will have the opportunities for recreation, hiking, and exploring the adjoining forests. Excursions will be organized to the nearby village of Ramon.
⚠️ Requirements
Motivation letter. Volunteers with allergies have to be attentive - physical work, a lot of sun, a lot of plants and herbs. Please, bring a sleeping bag, mattresses, sunscreen and a repellent.
🤝 Meeting point
Voronezh. The nearest airports are in Voronezh and Moscow.
ℹ️ Additional information
Group size: 6 (3M+3F) and 1 campleader.
Getting Started: Getting started as a Volunteer is simple. The first step is to register by completing the Volunteer Information Form. This information is essential, as it informs us about your preferences, interests, skills, and ensures your safety. If you have a medical condition, please indicate this on the form. Severe allergies, diabetes or seizures can be promptly and safely handled if you advise us about what you need in an emergency. Volunteers with allergies have to be attentive – physical work, a lot of sun, a lot of plants and herbs. Please, bring a sleeping bag, sitting pads, sunscreen and a mosquito repellent.