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| Monday, May 3, 1999 |
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| Do Some Good on Your Vacation: Pitch in With The British Trust For Conservation Volunteers
The ever-august British Trust for Conservation Volunteers has over 100
interesting and important volunteer opportunities this summer, in
Britain and around the globe, at the low prices that have been their
hallmark for over 40 years. Volunteer with them, and you'll find
yourself working alongside people of all nationalities on the banks of
bonny Loch Lomond in Scotland repairing footpaths, "turtle
monitoring" in Turkey or restoring 17th century farm buildings in
Norway. In the United Kingdom, week-long programs tend to average
£55 ($88.40) per week, while the international programs range from
£100 ($160.83) all the way up to £235 ($378) weekly (many of the
international programs are for 10 days or more, with variations in price
to match). Those rates cover your housing (which can consist of
anything from a bed in a hostel, a room in a private home or hotel to
sleeping bag space in a town hall or a tent) all meals, instruction and
equipment. Prices do not include transportation to the project sites.
Some examples of upcoming programs that still have space:
"France--Boardwalk Construction in the Camargue (July 18 through
August 1). Location: Les Marais de Vigueirat, a beautiful marshland
area in the Camargue with a profusion of different species of flora and
fauna, including ducks, geese, storks and eight species of heron. Work
details: Creating a boardwalk through the reedswamp and woodland, to
enable people to walk through the area without damaging the flora. Accommodation: An old hunters
lodge near ponds in the middle of the reserve. Leisure: Discover Les Marais du Vigueirat, the
beaches of Port Saint Louis and the Camargue reserves with their flamingos and wild horses. You
can also explore the typical Provence villages of the Alpilles region and the Roman city of Arles.
Cost £195 ($313)"
"Another brick in the wall, Gloucester, UK (August 20 through August 27): The Stanway Estate, in
the heart of the Northern Cotswolds is famed for its cascade and wonderful grounds and is and
idyllic place to work and stay. Working within the orchards we will be reconstructing a section of
Cotswold dry stone wall. The first few days will be spent under the eye of a professional waller and
during the rest of the week you can practice your new skills. Accommodation will be within the
house in the old servant quarters. With the Cotswolds on your door step the choices for your day
off are endless. £55 ($88.40)"
"Slovakia--Radio Tracking Wolves (September through 26). Nizke Tatry National Park has
extensive forests and caves such as the Demenovska Ice Cave. The park boasts a variety of wildlife
including wold, brown bear, red and roe deer, wild boar and eagles. 40% of the Slovak Republic is
forested and traditional life survives in villages of wooden houses. Work detail: Assisting the Slovak
Wolf and Red Deer project with research by radio tracking wolves and red deer, collecting
droppings and looking for wolf kills. The aim is to ensure the long-term conservation of the wolf
and to encourage greater understanding of the animal and its role within the forest eco-system. Park
staff will guide excursions and local shepherds will show their way of life. Accommodations: A
stone and wood lodge in the National Park , and one night in a log cabin in the mountains. Meals
will be in a local restaurant. Leisure: Walks in the park, trips to nearby historic towns and castles,
evening slide show and talks. Skiing is possible, weather permitting. Cost £680 ($1092)"
For more information, visit BTCV's Web site at www.btcv.org or write to: British Trust for
Conservation Volunteers, 36 ST. Mary Street, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, U.K. 0X10 0EV.
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