📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Slovenian Alps represent an important corridor for brown bears between the Dinaric population and the entire Alpine region. Because of the long absence of bears in the Alps, people have lost the sense for coexistence. In the last decades, some bears have been appearing in the Alps, however grazing livestock are still kept unprotected and damages occasionally occur. In 2015 within our national project we have proved that bear attacks on livestock can be prevented by closing animals into electrified enclosures overnight. The aim of the project is to reduce bear damages on sheep in the Alpine region with the help of shepherds-volunteers, and to educate local communities about different protection measures that can be applied in the mountains.
💼 What the programme involves
Everyday work of a shepherd: evening gathering of sheep in highland pastures (knowledge of whistling will ease your work) and bringing them in the electric-fenced night enclosure and their morning release from night enclosure. Voltage measurements of electric fence. Repairs and maintenance of electric fence. Bear-presence monitoring (looking for footprints, scats, checking the trail cameras). Other assignments of camp coordinator and sheep breeder. Writing of shepherd journal. Education of local community about coexistence with large carnivores. Environment conservation. Three to six hour of work per day is expected, Sunday is (beside morning release and evening enclosure) work-free day.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In shepherd house in nearby mountain village. Mattresses available; bring your own sleeping bag. Limited electricity (only for charging of smaller devices) and GSM signal; no internet connection. Available simple bathroom with toilette; an outside shower shall be arranged. Running drinking water and small kitchen available to use. A wood stove available for heating.
📍 About the location
The camp will be held in North-West Slovenia (central Europe), in Posočje region. Highland pasture where the work will be done is placed at Kobilja glava (1475 m), above the city Tolmin.
⚠️ Requirements
Open minded, ready for teamwork. Flexible to live in simple life conditions. Ready to do manual work and not afraid to work with domestic animals. Desirable good physical condition. No special experience needed.
ℹ️ Additional information
You will be able to explore beautiful surroundings: numerous hiking possibilities, herbalism opportunity, local cheese making facility and enjoying a simpler way of life. We will arrange bicycles so you will be able to go to nearby city Tolmin or swim in river Soča. Please note that there should be at least 3 volunteers otherwise the camp will be cancelled.