📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Do you feel like working and spending time outdoors? Follow the footsteps of Essonne’s former quarrymen and join us, in the heart of the geologic reserve, to work on the enhancement of a natural and cultural heritage: la Butte du Puits.
This workcamp is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Natural Reserve of Gâtinais while taking part in the improvement of the site! You will contribute to the restoration of the walls of the ancient quarrymen’s house and to the construction of a shelter for educational activities. The National Nature Reserve of the geological sites in Essone, where you will be working, is also known for the great diversity of its fauna and flaura.
A workcamp for nature and history lovers!
💼 What the programme involves
You will participate in the land-clearing of the site and the restoration of the ancient quarry house which overlooks the Valley. You’ll also participate in the development of the site, which has a pedagogical vocation around geology (strata of limestone and sandstone).
You will be accompanied by a technical leader who will guide you and the team of about fifteen international and local young volunteers during the work.
The workcamp will take place in the wilderness, away from urban amenities. You will be moving around on bikes available for the duration of your stay.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be sleeping in cottages, installed in the campsite. You will share the different collective tasks and prepare meals together.
📍 About the location
The Butte du Puits, is an ancient sandstone quarry, which was abandoned by its owners in the middle of the twentieth century. It’s located in the regional natural park of the French Gâtinais, in the center of the Juine Valley and overlooks the dry valley of Villeneuve-sur-Auvers, in Essonne. The National Natural Reserve of the Essonne Geological sites holds a great ecological interest (fauna and flora). The park extends over 5 hectars and is composed of sands, colluvium and platière of sandstone, which house a rich variety of species.
ℹ️ Additional information
Make sure to bring work gloves and insects repellent (for the clothes). It’s mandatory to bring long and tight trousers to cover the ankles. The workcamp is in the middle of nature and you will need to protect yourself from brambles and insects. You also need to bring ankle boots for work. The nights can be chilly, bring a hot sleeping bag.
You will move every day with a bike, between the camping site and the workcamp.