📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The community of Kappel-Grafenhausen has initiated a special biodiversity preservation project in 2015: The Wild Wood Pastures! By introducing a small herd of Salers cattle and some Konik horses to the neighbouring nature park Taubergießen, they are returning to a historic use of land which had been given up in the 18th century. Throughout the year, the animals are roaming freely and grazing in the woods, which leads to a light forest. This allows room for animals and plants that have been pushed out of regular working forests and green lands. The grazing animals are changing the structure of vegetation and wildlife in a way that would be impossible to achieve through human hand. Many threatened species, especially birds and insects, have since returned to the area. Have a look at their website (https://wildeweiden.lev-ortenaukreis.de/) and this video for further impressions: https://www.kappelgrafenhausen.de/site/KappelGrafenhausen/get/params_E1760286155/2470564/3%20Kurzfilm%20Gemeinde%20Hd%20Kleine%20Aufl%C3%B6sung-1.mp4
💼 What the programme involves
During this project you will be working on the continuous transformation of a forest into a light wood pasture. Your tasks will include:
• building drinking troughs for local animals on the pastures;
• building wooden fences to protect the young oak trees from grazing animals;
• improving the forest pasture by clearing residual wood from the area.
In case of rainy weather, you will install bird nesting boxes and carve out a birthing cave for wildcats.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in the local primary school building, which includes sanitary facilities and a kitchen. You will be able to shower in the school gym next door. Camp beds are provided, but please bring a sleeping bag. There is a bakery in the village and a supermarket in the next village, which can be reached by foot.
📍 About the location
Kappel-Grafenhausen is situated right at the border to France, next to the river Rhine and a nature park with beautiful landscape in which you will be working. In addition, you will be very close to the Black Forest, which is perfect for hiking trips. Of course, you can also do some sightseeing in your free time, for example visit Freiburg.
ℹ️ Additional information
This project is great for anyone with an interest in nature preservation and biodiversity. By participating in this workcamp, you are actively supporting biodiversity (UN SDG 15) and combating climate change (SDG 13).
