Val Calanca GR
In the Calanca Valley project, volunteers experience how centuries of goat farming have shaped the landscape and culture of the steep mountain landscapes. In the midst of this impressive, rugged nature, they work on alpine pastures and dry sites to preserve the biodiversity and openness of the cultural landscape.
Forest and cultural landscape
The forest in the steep Calanca Valley fulfills an important protective function. Rockfalls and debris flows repeatedly lead to the closure of the cantonal road. Open areas form a stark contrast to the dense protective forests. Small areas of dry meadows and pastures of national importance lie on the valley floor. At the entrance to the valley, under the impressive rock faces of the Crap Maria, there is a cantonal inventory object that is home to rare, thermophilic butterflies, insects and reptiles. Further up, species-rich larch pasture forests characterize the tree line.
Idea and goals
The Bergwaldprojekt has been involved in the cultural landscape and protected forests of the Calanca Valley for many years. This project focuses on close cooperation with local goat farmers and the help of volunteers in grazing species-rich dry sites and alpine pastures with goats. In spring and autumn, work is mainly carried out on the dry sites on the valley floor, while in summer more work is done on the higher alpine pastures.
Project partnerships: In collaboration with Parco Calanca, the Graubünden Office for Nature and the Environment, the forestry companies and local goat farmers, a contribution is made to keeping ecologically valuable areas open and promoting biodiversity.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and can vary. The focus of the work in the Calanca Valley project is on keeping species-rich habitats open. Dry sites are cleared of bushes and maintained, and larch willow forests are cared for. In addition to the conservation measures, the volunteers help to manage the areas with goats and build and dismantle pasture fences. 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 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
Casa Parocchiale, Arvigo at 900 m above sea level. M
- Mehrbettzimmer
- Dusche/WC
- Warm running water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not possible
breakfast & dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Full-value
- regional
- seasonal
- biological
- 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, Drinking bottle (thermos bottle recommended)
- Hand/shower towel
- Persönliche Utensilien
- Schlafsack, Pillowcase, fitted sheet/sheet
- 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 carpool - parking spaces are not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 16:37, Postbus stop "Arvigo, Al Canton"
The accommodation is in the immediate vicinity of the meeting point.
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.