Wildlife protection in the winter landscape of the Black Forest

Name: Wildlife protection in the winter landscape of the Black Forest
Start: 2022-02-20
End: 2022-03-06
Location: Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach, Germany

Germany Environment Manual work Environment Manual work Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

The forestry department of central Black Forest is taking care about the state-owned forests within the region. Their tasks include among other things: the administration and management of the state forest, environmental education (forest education) as well as recreational care, nature conservation and landscape maintenance in the forest. A special feature of the central Black Forest is the highest incidence of Capercaillie within extra-Alpine regions. The Capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse family and is classified in the IUCN red list as threatened with extinction across Germany. The forestry department is therefore very engaged in the conservation of this important species. By participating in this workcamp, you are actively supporting biodiversity and life on land (UN SDG 15).

💼 What the programme involves

In this workcamp you will contribute to the effort of protecting the Capercaillie and their habitat in an area called “the Kniebis“, the highest mountain in that region (1000 m.a.s.l.). This includes bringing more light inside the dense forest by creating open spaces and gaps at certain places. Doing so, the light will reach the forest soil, allowing for wild blueberries to grow – one of the birds\' favourite snacks! The habitat management should also improve the structural complexity of the forest stands. Last but not least, it will be helpful for the birds, that have a very specific mating ritual and males really like to make a show in open spaces in order to impress the females. As this workcamp will already take place in February there is a good chance that there will be snow. Depending on the amount of snow in the area of the Kniebis, you might be able to complete the work or not. However, there will be alternative conservation works in the lower areas of the central Black Forest provided. This is a special project for nature lovers and people interested in learning about nature protection work. The project is part of the 2022 IBG agenda: “Let\'s take action for climate protection – volunteering for forests and peatlands“.

🏠 Accommodation on site

You will be accommodated in one of the forestry huts in the area of Bad Rippoldsau/ Schapbach. These huts usually belong to the forestry department or the communities. The accommodation will provide a kitchen to cook as well as sanitary facilities including toilets and showers. In this camp you will cook by yourself, a great possibility for you to try out different international dishes. You will receive more information on the accommodation with the info sheet.

📍 About the location

Bad-Rippoldsau/ Schapbach are two villages with 2.100 inhabitants that were united in the 70s. It is situated southwest of Freudenstadt, the closest bigger town in that area. The village lies at an altitude between 400 and 900 m within the nationalpark region of the Black Forest. Besides a lush forest that is dominated by coniferous spruce trees the landscape is characterized by valleys and mountain meadows, waterfalls, lakes and rock formations. The area around the village is ideal for nature walks and hiking. Close to the village there is the “alternative wolf and bear park” where you can imagine how these large mammals would live in the Black Forest. “Alpirsbach” which is well known for its monastery and a beer brewery is close by and both the monastery and the brewery museum may be worth a visit. The region is also famous for the traditional way of celebrating the carnival. The so called “fool guilds” wear handmade costumes with carved wooden masks that represent witches, devils and other fantasy figures. They walk through the streets, distribute candy and play tricks on the spectators. The core of the festivity are these street parades that start on Thursday the 24th of February and end on the following Wednesday. ;)

⚠️ Requirements

ℹ️ Additional information

Regarding the current COVID-19 situation in Germany, participating in this project only makes sense for vaccinated / recovered volunteers, as all others are likely to be excluded from many of the group's activities. By joining this project you are making your own small contribution for climate and nature protection. Your active commitment will also have a symbolic meaning at the same time. You will demonstrate that although nature and climate protection takes place at the local level, it always has an international dimension and impact. As part of the agenda “Let’s take action for climate protection” we would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you somehow have the option to go by train, bus or bicycle that could be a first step for you to become a climate steward.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.