Urnäsch AR
In the Urnäsch project, volunteers are committed to the preservation and ecological enhancement of the forests and moorland around Schwägalp. Through targeted maintenance work, they bring light into the monotonous forest structure and thus promote natural regeneration, which brings stability and diversity. This creates resilient protection forests in the Schwägalp area and specifically promotes the locally resident capercaillie, which is highly endangered in Switzerland.
Forest and cultural landscape
The municipality of Urnäsch lies in the hills of Appenzellerland and is bordered to the south by the striking Säntis and the moorland of national importance around the Schwägalp. Forests, alpine meadows and raised bogs form a unique mosaic that characterizes this region. The reforestation in the Schwägalp-Bruggerwald special forest reserve, which is over 100 years old, is now dense and dark. Natural regeneration and ground vegetation are largely absent. In addition, there is a high density of game, which prevents natural regeneration of the forest. Without targeted maintenance, there is a risk of loss of biodiversity and the stability of these valuable forests.
Idea and goals
The aim of the project is to promote structurally rich, species-rich and climate-resilient forests around the Schwägalp. Targeted openings create mosaic-like clearings that bring light, dynamism and diversity to the stands. These measures create valuable habitats for numerous animal and plant species - especially for the capercaillie, which is dependent on patchy forest structures. In addition, threatened raised bogs are being cleared of bushes in order to preserve their ecological function and species richness in the long term.
Project partnerships: The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden's Office for Spatial Planning and Forestry and the local forestry company.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and can vary. The main tasks are thinning younger forest stands, clearing, building wildlife protection fences and targeted scrub clearance work in the raised bogs. 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 week's schedule. 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 the 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
Chammhaldenhütte at 1400 m above sea level.
- Multi-bed room
- WC / no shower
- Cold running water
- beschränkt Strom
- Zelten nicht möglich
breakfast & dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Full-value
- regional
- seasonal
- biologisch
- less meat (vegetarian alternative available)
- Feste, high mountain boots (above ankle) with treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, Rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothes (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
- Schlafsack
- Gepäckstück: 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, 16:29, Postbus stop "Schwägalp, Säntis-Schwebebahn"
From the meeting point, a 30-minute walk to the accommodation. Luggage will be transported from the meeting point to the accommodation in the mountain forest project vehicles.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 am 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.