📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
In the changed ecological conditions, the reeds spread over the steppe habitats located on the loess slopes of the eastern bank of Ludas Lake, “suffocating” the populations of rare species of the Red List of Serbia, and changing the structure of existing plant communities. Due to strict protection measures, all activities not of scientific or educational importance are strictly forbidden. In certain areas, a small amount of controlled exploitation of resources may be allowed.
The work will generally focus on revitalization of the area. Possible tasks are removal of invasive plant species endangering the natural habitat, preparing the area for educational children camps planned later during the summer, or renovating the old fisherman's cottage typical for the area. We may also work in the nearby protected areas, such as Selevenj heath or Subotica sands, as to, at the same time, explore the natural diversity northern Serbia has to offer.
Public enterprise Palic-Ludas, the manager of the nature protected area organizes this workcamp for the last 18 years.
💼 What the programme involves
The Special Nature Reserve Ludas Lake is one of the oldest protected areas in the world, known as wetlands of international importance as well as an ornithological reserve. The lake has rich bird fauna consisting of 214 recorded species, 140 of which are protected as natural rarities. They represent an essential feature of this valuable reserve for Serbia and Europe. Ludas Lake is the habitat of many endangered species, and is also an important station for migratory bird species. The volunteer activities will mainly focus on the revitalization of areas: cutting and removal of invasive plant species that threaten the natural habitat; repairing of educational paths in the woods of Ludas and Selevenjska; taking part in mowing and maintenance of steppe meadows at the Ludas Visitors’ Center; repairing the facade of the Fishermen Huts. These activities are carried out as measures of active protection of nature in order to preserve habitats, as well as the maintenance of the site’s infrastructure. Volunteers interested in projects related to the village and nature conservation are more than welcome.
Study part: Local ecologists, biologists and ornithologists will be frequenting the camp site, providing the information on the lake’s history, importance and long-term effects of our work, as well as on the environmental problems currently affecting the area.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In small houses, so-called research stations, in the attic with sleeping mattresses, male and female toilets and showers. Bed sheets will be provided but volunteers can bring their sleeping bag. Lunch and dinner will be served in a restaurant, and breakfast will be prepared by participants, from the ingredients provided by the host.
📍 About the location
Hajdukovo and Ludasko Lake are 12km from Subotica, in the far north of Serbia. The free time is planned for various activities like birds watching, boating on the lake, as well as the education of participants in relation to the conservation of biological and landscape diversity, ecological corridors and other habitats of importance for nature conservation.