Volunteers Needed for Wetland Conservation in Rhön Biosphere Reserve
A hands-on conservation event will take place in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Organised by the Rhön Landscape Conservation Association and Natura 2000 Station Rhön, the session runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the village of Geblar. Volunteers are invited to help protect fragile wetlands through traditional land management techniques. The day starts with a 30-minute guided nature walk led by the Thuringian Administration of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve. Participants will then learn about scythe handling from expert Claudia Schneider. Gesa Last, representing the Landscape Conservation Association, will explain why manual labour and scythes are vital for delicate ecosystems.
Volunteers can take part in mowing, clearing shrub regrowth, or maintaining pathways. These efforts help preserve the region's wet meadows and moors—habitats that support rare and endangered species. The event is limited to 20 participants, and organisers ask attendees to bring rubber boots, work gloves, and their own snacks. After the work, volunteers will be treated to homemade cake, fresh coffee, and apple juice. The initiative aims to foster direct engagement with nature while safeguarding biodiversity in the Rhön area.
The event offers a chance to contribute to conservation while learning traditional land care methods. By using scythes instead of machinery, the project protects soil structure and vulnerable species. Registration details are available through the Rhön Landscape Conservation Association.
