Nature park Pfyn-Finges VS
Volunteers in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park are committed to preserving unique ecosystems and their high level of biodiversity. Through targeted scrub clearance and maintenance work, they make an important contribution to the long-term protection of the species-rich habitats in the heart of Valais.
Forest and cultural landscape
The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park is located on the Franco-German language border in the canton of Valais. It stretches from Sierre to Gampel across thirteen municipalities and ranges from 500 to 4,100 meters above sea level. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park impresses with an exceptionally high diversity of habitats in a very small area. Along the Rhone there are extensive alluvial landscapes and wetlands that provide ideal living conditions for numerous bird species and amphibians. The dry southern slopes are characterized by steppe-like vegetation and are home to rare species of insects and reptiles. At higher altitudes, the habitats change to mountain forests of spruce, larch and Swiss stone pine before ending in the glacier zones with their barren rock and ice surfaces. The famous pine forest "Pfynwald" is located in the heart of the park.
Idea and goals
The aim of the project is to sustainably maintain and keep open the sparse pine forest and other valuable habitats in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. By clearing bushes, areas are prepared for grazing, open structures are stabilized and rare species are given back light and space. The Bergji-Platten rocky steppe is also being protected from overgrowth.
Project partnerships: Since 2020, the Bergwaldprojekt has been supporting the nature park in preventing scrub encroachment and safeguarding the high level of biodiversity.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and can vary. The work serves to maintain openness and promote biodiversity. Overgrown areas are cleared of bushes and hedges are maintained. The cuttings are piled up in heaps, which serve as shelter for numerous small animals. Invasive neophytes are also combated. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
The week starts on Sunday with an introduction to the Bergwaldprojekt and the course of the week. The days start early: breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. and then the work begins. One highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks in the accommodation, such as tidying up or washing up.
Discover more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Pfyngut manor house at 550 m above sea level.
- Multi-bed room
- Shower/WC
- Warm running water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not possible
Breakfast & dinner at the accommodation, Lunch in the forest
- Full value
- regional
- saisonal
- biologisch
- wenig Fleisch (vegetarische Alternative verfügbar)
- Feste, high mountain boots (above ankle) with treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, Rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothing (we are in the mountains)
- Shoes
- Stirn- oder Taschenlampe
- Sonnenschutz (Sonnencrème, Sunglasses, headgear)
- Daypack, pocket knife, Water bottle (thermos bottle recommended)
- Hand/shower towel
- Personal items
- Bed linen provided (no sleeping bag required)
- Luggage: Arrival with suitcase or bag possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Punctual arrival at the meeting point. Late arrival or early departure is not possible.
- The instructions of the project staff must be followed.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photographs will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project management if you do not agree to this
For ecological reasons, please travel by public transport or in carpools - parking spaces are not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 17:19 "Leuk" train station
From the meeting point directly to the accommodation with mountain forest project vehicles
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 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 info@bergwaldprojekt.ch.
In case of emergencies, we can be contacted on the day of arrival. The relevant telephone number will be posted in the project information in your profile shortly before the start of the project.