KEEP THE NATURE ALIVE | CONCF-3107 | 2024-08-07 - 2024-08-21 | ENVI | Age: 15 - 17

You will be among the first international volunteers to work in Preignan. The residents of Gers hold a strong attachment to environmental protection, and you will have the opportunity to engage with them.

Work: Get involved in preserving the rural environmental heritage of France! Nestled in the heart of the Gers, you ll discover the village of Preignan—a small, vibrant community, offering a haven of tranquility and natural beauty away from the hustle of big cities. You ll have the opportunity to participate in an eco-volunteering mission, working in exceptional environments cherished by the locals of Preignan and the hamlet of Rambert. This volunteer project is dedicated to safeguarding the environment, protecting endangered species, and preserving their natural habitats. Volunteers play a crucial role in taking committed actions for the planet and the conservation of biodiversity. Your responsibilities will include beach cleaning, aimed at collecting plastic and wood debris while ensuring the preservation of flora and fauna. Additionally, you ll have the chance to contribute by painting a wooden chalet and learning how to construct insect houses.

Accomodation and food: You will be accommodated in an individual tent, with access to toilets, shower and kitchen. The group will be sharing the cleaning chores and preparing meals together. The budget will be allocated to the group leader and you will participate in the grocery shopping and in the preparation of meals, prioritizing products from the market and local producers. Please bring your sleeping bag and mat. You will wash your clothes and other items manually. Wifi is not available, French volunteers can share their internet connections via a hotspot.

Location: PREIGNAN

Location and Leisure: Preignan is situated in the South of France, within the department of Gers, at the heart of Occitanie. Positioned centrally in a rural area near Auch, this small village boasts a rich historical background. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, Preignan showcases remnants of its past, including a Gallo-Roman villa perched atop the ridges. At the heart of the village stands a Romanesque church, likely erected on an ancient Merovingian burial ground. The Rambert mill, also known as the Hydroberge, stands as a historic and emblematic monument in Preignan. Much of your volunteering will revolve around this location. The Hydroberge serves as a welcoming space, housing a community café and hosting various cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, conferences, and practical workshops. The area is celebrated for its rich heritage and gastronomy. During the summer months, the place comes alive with numerous festivals, concerts and events. The area offers a prime opportunity to delve into France s historic past, maintaining a robust regional identity. Explorations can lead you along the paths of Compostela and to various archaeological sites, such as the Gallo-Roman villa of Seviac, which has hosted international construction projects.

Airport: TLS

Train/Bus station: AUCH Train Station

Requirements: Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for them, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

The meeting point is AUCH Train Station on the 7th of August at 6 PM. There are regular trains to AUCH from TOULOUSE Matabiau station. From PARIS, you can take the train from Montparnasse train station to TOULOUSE Matabiau train station, regular departures are scheduled throughout the day (about every hour). The trip last for about 4.5 hours, once in TOULOUSE Matabiau train station.Trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, available on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/ If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 250 EUR

Consider taking clothes and footwear for work and hiking (including rain clothes). Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good mattress (tent sleeping), the nights are sometimes cool and humid but if you want, you can bring your own tent. And remember to take a bathing suit in case of a possible swim. Don’t hesitate to bring home specialties, photos, games, musical instruments, etc.