Short-term (2 to 4 weeks) "environmental" projects in Netherlands

The volunteers will work in the area surrounding Twijzel, a small village in Fryslân, known for its cultural-historic and blooming blue-grass landscapes and swamp forests. The participants will play an important role in the preservation of the flora and fauna of the area. Together with the state forest rangers participants will do different activities such as cutting, dredging and maintaining the paths. Because of the unique status of the area this is work that cannot be carried out by machines. So the volunteers will play a vital role in the nature preservation.

Volunteers will stay in small bungalows with 6 beds per bungalow. Each bungalow has its own bathroom, toilet and kitchen with equipment. The group will cook together for themselves.

The working area of ‘State Forestry Noard-Fryslân' offers a various landscape with a rough swamp nature. It is a perfect area to walk around so you can see the various landscapes. There are a lot of little lakes here in the north of Fryslân. Together with the camp leaders the volunteers will discuss the recreational program. For example they can explore the area by bike, go swimming, visit a museum or other places in the Netherlands, such as Leeuwarden, a city nearby. The camp leaders will have some ideas, but of course it is possible for the volunteers to put forward their own ideas for this program! Leisure time will also be spent on the theme: "Cross your borders!". During this activity, the participants will interact with local communities, share cultures and have fun!

•Old/working clothes •Rubber boots (working fields can be very muddy!)•High top sneakers•Rain is spread out over the year, so bring warm clothes, a raincoat and a swimming suit!

18-99

Twijzel, province of fryslân, northern netherlands

EnglishVegetarian food will be available

Working on nature preservation in a Dutch National Park

The ‘Drentsche Aa’ area is a varied old cultural landscape, shaped by age old interplay of agriculture and nature. The ‘Drentsche Aa’ is also the name of the stream that meanders through this area and creates a typical landscape that is declared National Park. It includes 16 authentic villages. The partner in this project is the Dutch State Forestry, commissioned by the Dutch government to manage a large part of the nature reserves in the Netherlands.

The participants will do different activities of nature protection like cutting, dredging, pilling up the paths and haymaking. The cooperation with the local partner has been taking place since several years and they are always very supportive and looking forward to host you in their beautiful area.

Volunteers are expected to bring their own tent, airbed and sleeping bag. There are minimal sanitary facilities (1 shower and 1 toilet) and volunteers should expect primitive accommodation in the middle of nature. The group will cook for themselves in a barn that is equipped with all cooking facilities.

Volunteers will discuss the recreational program together with the camp leaders. For example they can explore the area by bike, go swimming, visit the city of Groningen, Westerbork transit camp (where Anne Frank was prisoned) and other places in the Netherlands. The local partner organises every year several great activities with the volunteers. The camp leaders will have some ideas, but of course it’s possible for the volunteers to put forward their own ideas for this program! Leisure time will also be spent on the theme: “Cross your borders!”. During this activity, the participants will interact with the local communities, learn more about human rights and the current situation, share their cultures with each other and have fun!

Oudemolen, province of Drenthe, northern Netherlands.

€ 55 to be paid upon arrival.