Blonay – St-Légier, Vaud
In Blonay, above Lake Geneva, volunteers work to maintain protective forests and keep traditional daffodil meadows open. This work helps preserve valuable habitats, promote biodiversity, and safeguard a unique piece of cultural landscape.
Forest and cultural landscape
Blonay lies above Montreux on the upper shores of Lake Geneva and stretches from the lakeshore into the gently sloping foothills of the Alps. The forests of Blonay–St. Légier serve important protective functions, particularly against flooding, and, together with marshlands and meadows, form a species-rich mosaic. In spring, the white blossoms of the “Neige de Mai” transform the slopes into a sea of daffodils. Yet urbanization and the decline of agriculture threaten this natural heritage: since 1960, more than two-thirds of the daffodil meadows have disappeared.
Idea and goals
The goal of the project is the long-term conservation and maintenance of the protective forest and cultural landscape around Blonay. The Mountain Forest Project is committed to keeping the daffodil meadows open while also supporting the maintenance and stabilization of the protective forests. These measures promote biodiversity and safeguard valuable habitats for numerous animal and plant species.
Project partnerships: The project is carried out in collaboration with the Blonay–St. Légier Forestry Office, the Narcisses Riviera Association, and local farmers.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. Main tasks include forest edge and hedge maintenance, clearing logging sites, and tending young forests. If necessary, planting is carried out to improve forest structure and ensure its protective function in the long term. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
We kick off on Sunday with an introduction to the Mountain Forest Project and the week’s schedule. Days start early: breakfast is at 6:30 a.m., followed by work. A highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks at the accommodation, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
“Ferme de Mousse” farmhouse
at 1,200 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Shower/toilet
- Running hot water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping available
Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Whole-food
- regional
- seasonal
- organic
- Low meat content (vegetarian alternative available)
- Sturdy, high-top hiking boots (above the ankle) with a treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothing (we’ll be in the mountains)
- Slippers
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Daypack, pocket knife, water bottle (thermos recommended)
- Hand towel/shower towel
- Personal items
- Bedding provided (no sleeping bag required)
- Luggage: Traveling with a backpack is recommended
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Late arrival or early departure is not permitted.
- Participants must follow the instructions of the project staff.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photos will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project leadership if you do not consent to this.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to the event—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 4:33 p.m., “Ondallaz-L’Alliaz” train station. Please note: The train stops on request.
15-minute walk from the meeting point to the accommodation
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. from the meeting point.
Registration is binding. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration immediately by calling +41 (0)81 650 40 40 or emailing info@bergwaldprojekt.ch. We will be available on
the day of arrival in case of emergencies. The relevant phone number will be posted in the project information section of your profile shortly before the project begins.