WEEKEND BETWEEN THE MEADOW AND THE FOREST
EVENT CAPACITY IS FULL.
It’s possible that someone may cancel and a spot will open up. If you’d like, you can register as a substitute participant.
Write to our coordinator at jana@heroclan.cz and she will let you know as soon as possible.
Lend a hand in preparing a unique interdisciplinary forest symposium that brings together art, ecology, pastoralism and landscape stewardship. Together, we will support an organization that creates a space for artists, scientists, shepherds and the wider public to meet and explore topics such as biodiversity, sustainable land management and the relationship between people and nature.
This year’s edition focuses on the importance of pastures and pastoral cultures for the landscape, the protection of biodiversity and the search for sustainable ways for humans, animals and other inhabitants of the landscape to coexist.
This volunteer weekend is unique because we will become involved already during the preparation phase. If you have the time and enthusiasm, you can arrive in Písečná as early as Wednesday or Thursday and take part in the preparations from the very beginning.
The event is intended for 4 volunteers.
WHAT WE'LL BE DOING
We will help with the preparation and operation of the symposium itself. We will support the facilities for participants and assist with the Forest Kitchen, which will be serving meals and refreshments made from local ingredients throughout the weekend. Thanks to our help, the organizers will be able to focus fully on the programme and guests from the Czech Republic and abroad.
Our tasks will include helping with food and drink preparation, keeping the kitchen area tidy and assisting with the daily operation of the event. Volunteers arriving on Wednesday or Thursday will also help prepare the site, set up visitor facilities, mark pathways and take care of other tasks needed to ensure the smooth running of the symposium.
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
This volunteer weekend is not only about work. You will have the opportunity to experience part of an international symposium programme and meet inspiring guests from the fields of art, ecology, agriculture and nature conservation. The programme includes talks, discussions, creative workshops and informal gatherings in the beautiful surroundings of the Orlické Mountains.
The nearby village of Písečná is also worth exploring. It was awarded Village of the Year 2025 and is widely recognized as an inspiring example of environmental stewardship and community development.
DATE: 17. – 19. 7. 2026, with the option to join as early as 15. 7.
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
You can choose to sleep either in a shared room or in a tent on the organization’s property. If you choose to sleep outdoors, please bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. We’ll confirm the final arrangements and sleeping arrangements in the group WhatsApp chat shortly before the event.
MEETING POINT
We’ll meet on-site on Thursday evening or Friday morning, depending on when you arrive.
MEALS
Meals will be provided throughout the event, except for Thursday 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
- Work clothes appropriate for the weather,
- ideally waterproof shoes,
- a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad if you plan to sleep in a tent,
- personal hygiene items (toiletries, towel),
- a water bottle,
- dinner for Thursday
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