A week in the Bergwaldprojekt is not a vacation job for late risers.

Projects for adults start on Sunday afternoon with an introduction and round of introductions. From Monday to Friday, the day starts at 6:30 am with a hearty breakfast, followed by work in the forest until around 5 pm. Snack and lunch are taken in the forest. A half-day forestry excursion is also part of the program. In addition to working in the forest, the volunteers also take on household tasks. On Saturday morning, the tools are cleaned and maintained and the accommodation is tidied up before the return journey.

Projects for school classes and youth groups begin on Monday with the arrival, an introductory round, followed by lunch and the first work assignment in the forest. From Tuesday to Thursday, the day starts at 7:00 am, breakfast is served at 7:15 am. From 8:00 am, the young people work in the forest, supervised and catered for by the Bergwaldprojekt, until at least 5:00 pm. A half-day excursion on forestry topics is also part of the program. On Friday, the final work in the forest and the cleaning of tools and accommodation are on the agenda. This is followed by a final round before the journey home begins.

In principle, participation is possible for everyone. Forestry knowledge is not required, but a good physical condition and sure-footedness are important. Some accommodation can only be reached on foot (one to two-hour climb with luggage); appropriate fitness is required. If this is the case, it will be noted in the respective project description.

The work in the mountain forest is varied and depends on the current forestry needs and the weather conditions on site. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.

Work includes:

• (Young) forest maintenance: promotion of stable tree structures through targeted interventions; removal of competing vegetation to ensure the protective effect.
• Planting: Where natural regeneration is not sufficient, young trees are planted and cared for over the years, protected from browsing by game and cleared.
• Construction and maintenance of footpaths: Footpaths are created in rough terrain to transport tools and materials safely and to facilitate access for maintenance work.
• Wildlife protection measures: To protect young trees, fences or individual protections are erected and regularly maintained.
• Construction of tripods: These wooden structures reduce snow pressure and secure young growth above the tree line.
• Clearing: Clearing small sites favorable for regeneration and forming branch piles.
• Cultural landscape management: Keeping meadows and pastures open to preserve biodiversity in regions where traditional use is declining.
• Combating invasive neophytes: Removing alien plant species that threaten native ecosystems.

The type of accommodation varies depending on the project - from simple, remote alpine and forest huts without electricity and hot water to comfortable group accommodation. In some cases, an overnight stay in a tent is also desired.

Young people in school classes and youth groups spend the night in simple group accommodation with electricity and water.

Details on the respective accommodation are listed in the corresponding project description under "Organizational matters". It also states whether overnight accommodation in a tent is possible.

Recognition as a charitable organization by Zewo means that regular checks are carried out to ensure that donations are used for their intended purpose, effectively and economically. As a holder of the seal of approval, we guarantee serious and transparent work and assure our donors that their contributions are handled with care.

The Swiss certification body Zewo certifies organizations that collect charitable donations. In doing so, the Zewo Foundation strengthens society's trust in charitable activities. Organizations that bear the Zewo seal of approval provide open information about their activities, keep transparent accounts and have a functioning external and internal control structure.

Yes. We send out a donation receipt in January of the following year, which shows cumulative donations over an entire year. This certificate can be used for tax deduction purposes.

Yes, the Bergwaldprojekt and its volunteers are committed to protecting the mountain forests and for future generations. With an inheritance or legacy, this commitment can be supported beyond your own lifetime.

➨ If you are interested & have any questions: skoller@bergwaldprojekt.ch 081 650 40 42

Yes, the Bergwaldprojekt has already received several forest areas as a legacy. These are carefully maintained.
➨ If you are interested & have any questions: skoller@bergwaldprojekt.ch 081 650 40 42

Yes, donations in kind are generally possible. However, we are reliant on the donations matching our existing stock of equipment and being standardized. For example, a single chainsaw that is not compatible with our other equipment is of little help to us, as we would also have to ensure spare parts and maintenance. If you are considering a donation in kind, it is best to talk to us first - so we can clarify together where there is a current need.

The project weeks take place on request from April to October and usually last from Monday to Friday. The locations are various mountain forest regions in Switzerland. Before each project week, the Bergwaldprojekt project leader visits the school and prepares the young people for the week with background knowledge and information in a lesson.

The Bergwaldprojekt organizes suitable, simple group accommodation. Where possible, projects with young people take place in Trin, where the Bergwaldprojekt has its own accommodation with the Trin Youth Hostel.

The Bergwaldprojekt's cooking staff provide wholesome meals. The food is seasonal, regional, organic and contains little meat. The group helps with the washing up and keeps the accommodation clean.

A guide price of CHF 300.00 - 330.00 per person is charged for organization, meals, accommodation, tools and project personnel.

Project days are organized on request and take place from spring to autumn. The duration is usually a single day. The locations are various mountain forest regions in Switzerland. Planning and implementation are carried out by the Bergwaldprojekt team. The employees work in groups of 15 to 30 people and are supervised by experts. All activities are adapted to local forestry needs and current weather conditions.

The meeting point is between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. at the nearest public transport stop. After a short introduction at the work site, there will be coffee and snacks. This is followed by forestry work and lunch in the forest. The project day ends at around 17:00.

Costs are incurred for organization, basic catering during the day, tools, transport from the nearest public transport stop by bus to the project location and project personnel, which are borne by the company. A guideline value for 16 participants is around CHF 3,500.00.

The mountain forest filters the air, stores carbon and is therefore good for the climate.

The mountain forest provides a habitat for around 25,000 different animal and plant species - many of which are endangered or rare. In densely populated Switzerland, it is one of the last green islands and a hotspot of biodiversity.

Mountain forests are closely intertwined with the Alps, pastures and agricultural land. Over the centuries, a cultural landscape of high ecological diversity and great value has been created. However, with the decline in traditional use, many areas are becoming overgrown, biodiversity is decreasing and the landscape is losing structure and diversity. This diversely structured cultural landscape must be preserved.

The mountain forest acts as a natural regulator: it prevents avalanches, absorbs rockfall, stores water and stabilizes the soil. In this way, it not only protects the Alpine valleys, but also the Central Plateau, cities and economic centers through its flood regulation. 44% of the Swiss forest has a protective function - and thus secures over 130,000 buildings and thousands of kilometers of paths, roads and railroad lines.

In addition to its ecological importance, the mountain forest is also a place of peace and relaxation. Hikers, sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation will find nature experiences, spirituality and a break from everyday life here.

Wood harvested from the mountain forest is a renewable and climate-neutral raw material. It is used in a variety of ways - in construction, for furniture and pulp and as a renewable energy source - and creates regional jobs in the process. In its installed form, wood stores CO₂ for decades, often even centuries.

• Participation in the training week for group leaders
• Minimum age 18 years
• Decision on assignment and responsibility lies with the Bergwaldprojekt
• For interns: in training or studying in the field of forestry or environment
• For civilians: assignment agreement required

• Practical experience in forest work and leading groups
• Experiences in nature and in-depth knowledge of the mountain forest
• Insight into the project organization of the Bergwaldprojekt
• Participation in the training week for group leaders:inside
• Documents for group leaders:inside with specialist literature, supported by CODOC
• Support from experienced project leaders:inside
• Annual further training opportunities
• Support with forest-specific further training (e.g. B. Chainsaw course) for repeated assignments by arrangement
• Certificate of assignment for CV
• Travel allowance of CHF 50.- per project week (only for volunteers, from 2026)
• Small gift of appreciation at the end of the project season
• Invitation to the team party at the end of the season

The training week prepares prospective group leaders for their tasks in the Bergwaldprojekt. It offers an intensive but rewarding experience and deepens their understanding of the mountain forest and the work of the Bergwaldprojekt. Together with like-minded people, the prospective group leaders learn about the organizational, technical, professional and human requirements that are needed in day-to-day project work.

The 5+5 concept is used to teach basic skills and practical forestry work during the training week:

Skills

• Organization of workplace, tools, catering, Breaks and accommodation
• Emergency organization and safety in the field
• Group leadership and communication
• Driving minibuses
• Planning and implementation of forestry work

Forestry work

• Fence construction
• Planting
• Path construction
• Forest maintenance
• Clearing

Next dates

• 22.03.2026 - 28.03.2026
• 26.07.2026 - 01.08.2026

• Experience in the Bergwaldprojekt as a volunteer and recommendation by a project manager (except civilian service and interns)
• Motivation, sense of responsibility and willingness to get involved
• Open-mindedness in dealing with people
• Without or with forestry experience; manual skills and outdoor experience an advantage
• Cat B vehicle license desired