WEEKEND BETWEEN THE MEADOW AND THE FOREST
Experience a weekend where art, ecology, and landscape work meet. Join us in caring for a unique place where international art residencies, ecological workshops, and interspecies friendships are created. Together, we will head out to the meadows and pastures of the Forest Community to help create the conditions for another season of creation, education, and coexistence.
WHAT WE'LL BE DOING
There will be a wide range of practical activities on site, depending on current needs and weather conditions. We can look forward to work that will smell of hay, earth, and wood. We will mow the grass, turn it over and dry it, and finally store it in the hayloft. We will take care of the fruit trees, flower beds, and forest edges by mulching, transplanting, or pruning self-sown trees.
We will also help with improvements to the facilities. We will upgrade the outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and forest shower, turn the compost, and prepare wood for the winter. And if necessary, we will lend a hand in caring for the flock—shearing wool, cleaning stables, or treating hooves.
You don’t need any previous experience or skills to join – this event is open to anyone who’s ready to lend a hand!
SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM
After work, we will enjoy an evening gathering around the fire, talking about regenerative agriculture, animal care, and art in the landscape. We will take a look behind the scenes of the Pastoral Twilight project and together create a space for sharing and inspiration.
DATE: 14. – 16. 8. 2026
LOCATION: Písečná 45, 561 70 Písečná
Woods is a vibrant community of people from the fields of art, ecology, permaculture, and education, which has been creating the Are association (are-events.org) since 2019. On their own 2.8-hectare forest and meadow land, they combine landscape care with contemporary art and environmental theory.
With respect for the landscape and its inhabitants, they are dedicated to sustainable agriculture, permaculture, raising a small herd of goats and sheep, and creating a place where people and non-human beings can meet. Every year, they organize a forest symposium, residential programs, and workshops that combine ecology, art, and interspecies solidarity.
They are currently working on an international project called Pastoral Twilight, which explores the possibilities of a shared culture and education for people, animals, plants, and fungi.
WHAT’S PROVIDED FOR YOU AS A VOLUNTEER
- Accommodation
- Meals throughout the event
- Special health and liability insurance
- Event organization and a leader who will guide the group on-site
- New connections, meaningful life experiences, and beautiful memories that money can’t buy
Please read the participation terms and find out why a participation fee is charged.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying either at the Rubínek hostel or in tents on the organization's grounds. If you want to sleep "outside," bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Both locations are approximately 2 kilometers apart.
Please indicate your preference on the application form. We will confirm the final arrangements for sleeping arrangements shortly before the event in a shared WhatsApp group.
MEETING POINT
We’ll meet on Friday evening at the accommodation. A few days before the event, you’ll get the exact time and address. Please let us know in the registration form how you plan to arrive – if you’re not sure yet, no worries. We’ll set up a WhatsApp group before the event to coordinate carpooling, shared train rides, or where to meet.
MEALS
Meals will be provided throughout the event, except for Friday dinner. We may share the preparation of breakfasts and dinners. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know directly in the registration form.
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm work clothes suited for the weather (something you don’t mind getting dirty)
- Work gloves
- Warm, preferably waterproof work shoes or boots
- Sleeping bag
- Personal hygiene items, towel
- Slippers
- Water bottle
- Friday dinner
RETURN
After we finish work and clean up the tools on Sunday afternoon, everyone will head home. The exact end time will be confirmed before the event.
If you have any questions, please contact coordinator Jana at jana@heroclan.cz