Service Volontaire International - Nature Lovers Island in the Berlin environs

Presentation of the programmeYou will contribute to sustaining the ecosystem of Liepnitz island and the forests around the island. You get to help the local foresters with various environmental works in the woods. Next to that, you will also help with renovation and construction works on the island and in the forests around the island. Possible tasks include removing bushes and invasive small tree species, helping sustain the ecosystem of the moors, collecting rubbish and wood, repairing tasks and so on. Your work days will be 6 hours long and the weekends are free.

Local accommodationThe accommodation is located on the Liepnitz Island, surrounded by the forests and a picturesque lake called Liepnitzsee. Your accommodation and the infrastructure on the island will be very basic. There are three large tents with camp beds to sleep in, and you make use of ecofriendly compost toilets. There is no electricity, heating or warm water on the island, so be prepared for refreshing cold showers! The foresters of the project have built a nice and comfortable block house where the group can meet, cook and eat together. A small kitchen with fridge is available and food can be cooked on a gas hob cooker. Everyday, there will be a kitchen team of two volunteers to prepare food for the group. We encourage you to bring some recipes and special ingredients from your home country to share with the other volunteers!

About the project locationThe Liepnitz Island is situated in the picturesque lake Liepnitzsee in the north of Berlin. Outside the island you are surrounded by beautiful landscapes with many forests and several lakes. Swimming is allowed, so don't forget to bring your swimwear with you! There are lots of opportunities for outdoor sport activities like soccer, table-tennis and volleyball, or have a walk through nature. There will also be other vacation campers on the island during your stay, with which you engage respectfully. To spend your freetime on the main land around the island, or to visit Berlin, you cross the lake by ferry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..

RequirementsVolunteers must know how to swim and be prepared for a "digital detox" (no wi-fi).

Extra info about the projectYou have to be able to swim, as a safety guarantee. Please be prepared for 2 weeks without internet. Cell phones can be charged on the main land during the working hours, but you can bring a powerbank if you need to charge it more often. German language skills will be appreciated because the foresters you will work with are speaking only little English. As it is a nature camp during summer, be prepared for mosquitos.