- Where: Hart-Aschendorf and Poysdorf, Lower Austria
- When: 4 September — 19 September 2026 (16 days)
- Age: 18-30
- Theme: Nature Conservation, Biodiversity Preservation
SCI Austria is still seeking volunteers for its Green Belt volunteer camp through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). ESC is a program of the European Union and is funded by the European Commission. The ESC offers young people (aged 18 to 30) the opportunity to participate in non-profit projects in their own country or abroad. The projects last from 2 to 12 months and are free of charge.
Description
The dry grasslands of the so-called “Weinviertler Klippenzone” in the European Green Belt along the border between Austria and the Czech Republic are a habitat to many rare plant and animal species. To maintain these habitats and avoid invasion of bushes into the grasslands, it is necessary to establish regular management. Biotope maintenance like mowing or removing bushes or neophytes will be implemented on rupicolous or steppic grasslands in protected areas, situated amidst a beautiful wine-growing landscape. This helps to preserve rare species like the critically endangered Feather Grass (Stipa tirsa) or the butterfly Mountain Alcon Blue (Phengaris rebeli).
Activities involved
Participants will work and learn much during the camp. Their activities will include:
- Physical outdoors work, including mowing, raking, and cutting bushes, for 5-6 hours each day
- Learning about plants, animals, and ecological problems in the area
- Discussing ways to manage protected areas along the Green Belt
- Learning about wine production, visiting an old castle ruin in Falkenstein, and visiting the former Iron Curtain!
Accommodation & Food
During the camp, participants will stay in two different accommodations. Both accommodations will be very basic. In the first week of the camp, volunteers will sleep in tents in Hart-Aschendorf. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that volunteers bring the tent, and their own sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and a pillow! During the second week, volunteers will stay at the campsite of Poysdorf in a simple shared group accommodation.
Language spoken during the camp
English and German.
Requirements
- 18-30 years old
- Main or secondary residence in Europe or neighbouring countries (nationality is not relevant)
- Proficient English skills
- Not sure if you qualify for ESC? You can do your eligibility check here.
- Be prepared for physical, outdoors work
- (We strongly recommend warm and weatherproof clothes, working boots, and sunscreen)
How to apply
- Visit the original project description for application details!
- Register on the official ESC Youth Portal
- More information on European Solidarity Corps
Do you still have questions? You can contact us!
- placement@sciaustria.org / short-term@sciaustria.org
- +43 (0)6603217466
