Nature conservation in Japan

Japan almost defies description - a land of opposites and at times tantalisingly inscrutable. Our holidays in Japan have proved some of our most memorable allowing us access to the heart and soul of this fascinating culture and country, and the friendliest people you'll meet. We're working with the Kinashibetsu Wetland Trust, a part of the Association of National Trusts in Japan, and comprised of a set of landowners whose land encompasses the Kinashibetsu Wetland. These landowners have committed themselves to promoting the area's conservation.

Where we're working: The project is taking place on the South-Eastern Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four islands. Hokkaido represents about 20% of the land area of Japan but is relatively sparsely populated with only 5% of the population. There are some important National Parks and wilderness areas on the island and even bears, although you are unlikely to see them! The Kinashibetsu nature conservation area is typical of the scenery found along the Pacific coastline. It is situated next to the most important wetland site in Japan, 50 km Southwest of Kushiro city.

A variety of wildflower and grass species bloom from early spring to late autumn on the wetland and on the natural shoreline along the Pacific Ocean coast. These wild flowers and grasses are home to many insects. The area contains virgin forest, home to many rare bird species. Kinashibetsu Nature Conservation Area is within the small village of Chokubetsu facing the Pacific Ocean and 50km from Kushiro City. Typical of the scenery along the Pacific coastline, the area contains virgin forest, sand dunes, alpine plant areas, wetlands and farmland. Close to the most important wetland site in Japan, the area is home to many rare species of birds (over 83 species), including Japanese crane, white tailed sea eagle, grey heron and Japanese snipe. There are more than 344 plant species, and about 200ha of virgin forest. Nearby is Kushiro Wetland National Park, Akam National Park, Mt. Taisetsu National Park and Atukeshi prefecture park. Our base is at the farm of Genshi Sakakibaru deep in the heart of the Conservation Area. Much of our work will be concerned with development of the nature reserve including construction of boardwalks, the creation of a new marsh garden and restoration of traditional farm fences. We'll be taking part in activities to develop awareness of the value of environmental conservation in the area by improving trail systems and visitor infrastructure. The project aims to build local and regional interest in volunteering and in previous years we've worked alongside school and community groups and with volunteers recruited from Tokyo.

Where we'll be staying: We'll be staying in the very comfortable Japanese National Trust volunteer house on the farm where much of the work is taking place. The house contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living space, and an office room. Catering will be a mix of eating out in a range of Japanese restaurants and self-catering using as far as possible, produce from a neighbouring organic farm.

What else is there: Our Japanese hosts are keen to show us as much as possible of Japan's culture, such as the tea ceremony, Kimono wearing or flower arrangement - the history and traditions of Hokkaido. A real highlight of the holiday is a day trip to Shiretoko National Park, Akan Lake and Sulpher Mountain. Shiretoko is a peninsula of snow capped mountains designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 - end the day with a dip in the hot springs and fantastic Japanese sushi. There's also plenty of opportunity in afternoons to visit the myriad local temples and find out more about the native Ainu people of the region.