Habitat conservation in Transylvania

This year we return to Romania with a holiday with two sides to it: a week experiencing traditional rural life, living and working with the local community in the village of Homorodalmas, then on to the beauty, romance and adventure of nature - a week camping and working in the meadows above the stunning Vargyas Gorge. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in real Transylvanian life.

Who we're working with: Agora, a non-profit environmental NGO, was founded in April 2001 by specialists in biology, ecology, geography, sociology and others, who wanted to do something for nature and the environment. Their motto: “With light steps on the Earth”, expresses the wish to live in harmony with nature, leading a creative life, that does not endanger the existence of others and combining traditional values with the positive aspects of development. Their mission: to improve the quality of the environment through the formation of an ecologically conscious society in the Odorhei region. Their goal: environmental protection and the maintenance of natural values through promotion of sustainable development principles, ecological education and concrete action - and that's where we come in… Over the holiday, we'll work in both the gorge and village, seeing two important aspects of this fascinating area. We'll spend the first happy days based in Homorodalmas village, munching on fruit as we join in with a variety of important community projects such as orchard maintenance, communal dairy improvements and (if desired) get stuck into some farm work with our host families. Moving a couple of miles to the gorge, we'll get to know another side of the area through helping with landscape management and improvements for managing the increasing flow of tourists. This will include activities such as clearing brush from the meadows using traditional haying techniques in an effort to preserve habitat and trail improvements and structural improvements such as building a bridge and improving access for visitors.

Where we'll be staying: For the first week we take up residence with local families - recently trained to host visitors to help make the area more accessible. Each person will have their own room, modern plumbing, hot water and delicious food provided by the host family or local caterers. There is an internet cafe, several small terrace bars, great hikes through the hills and several small shops for basic needs. Following this, we'll start the adventure of camping in the really great outdoors! Tents are available, or bring your own. The site is located in the meadows at the mouth of the gorge, next to the river and is surrounded by high, forested ridges. The view into the gorge reveals stunning cliffs and a welcoming path. This is not an official campsite, but our own fantastic location nearby to the worksite. Cooking will be done over campfires or stoves, there's a glorious covered latrine created by us last year and bathing can take place near the river.

What else is there: This holiday takes place in a rural area, so the nightlife is what you make it - this is one for those who really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, as well as some fantastic bird and wildlife watching, several other optional activities are included on this holiday including hiking, swimming, guided cave and bat tours, shepherd visits and traditional cheese making, guided mushrooming and medicinal plant gathering, and opportunities to learn about the fantastic flora and fauna of the area. HRH Prince Charles is also involved with a development project nearby and we'll be able to take a visit to see what the great work his foundation is doing. Perhaps even taste the products of is apple juice facility! And a number of other activities are possible in spare time, although not specifically included. All are priced at approximately 5-10 Euro unless otherwise noted: cooking and traditional crafts classes, bird-watching at the Saint Paul Ornithological Refuge, a trip to UNESCO World Heritage site in Dersz (where they still cure their famous bacon in the church walls), visits to mineral water spas, horse riding (20 Euro).