In partnership with

The dry grasslands of the so-called “Weinviertler Klippenzone” in the European Green Belt along the border between Austria and Czech Republic are habitat of a lot of different rare plants and animal species. To maintain these habitats and to avoid invasion of bushes into the grasslands it is necessary to establish regular management. Biotope maintenance like mowing or removing bushes or neophytes will be implemented on rupicolous or steppic grasslands in protected areas - situated amidst a beautiful wine-growing landscape. This helps to preserve rare species like the critically endangered Feather Grass (Stipa tirsa) or the butterfly Mountain Alcon Blue (Phengaris rebeli).

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Description of the Work

International and local volunteers will help mowing steep meadows and remove bushes from dry rocky grasslands that are threatened to be overgrown by bushes and trees. So they will contribute actively to preserve endangered species. Work will be physical (mowing, raking, cutting bushes) and will last for about 5 - 6 hours every day.

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Location & Leisure

The beautiful region of Lower Austria offers a lot of possibilities for free-time activities. You can learn something about wine-production. We will visit the castle of Falkenstein, make a trip to Mikulov. There is also a little pond near our accommodation, where you can swim during your free time.

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Study themes of the project

The participants will learn about plants and animals and about ecological problems in the area. Some ecological initiatives and protected areas along the Green Belt will be presented and possibilities of management of protected areas will be discussed. We will hear something about wine-production, visit an old castle-ruin and visit the former Iron Curtain.

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Requirements

• 18-30 years old
• Main or secondary residence in Europe or Neighbouring Countries (nationality is not relevant)
• Proficient English skills
• You can do your eligibility check here: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/register/check_en

Participants should be motivated for physical work and be ready to do activities outdoors (warm and weatherproof clothes and working-boots as well as sunscreen are strongly recommended!). A small motivation letter is required.

In the first week of the camp we will stay in Hart-Aschendorf during which we will sleep in the tents. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that you bring the tent with you as well as your own sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a pillow!

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Host Organization